Deborah “Debbie” Nelms Barr
It is with heavy hearts and great love that we announce the passing of our Mom, Deborah
“Debbie” Nelms Barr, who left us peacefully on June 27, 2026 at Kempton of Rock Hill Assisted
Living/Memory Care. She was 71. Born on March 17, 1955 in Williamson, WV to June Smith
Nelms and Eugene Nelms, she spent the majority of her life as a beloved member of the Rock
Hill, SC community.
Known for her quiet strength and warm heart, she found her greatest joy in the everyday
moments—a nice cold coca-cola, watching her favorite tv shows, sitting outside on a sunny day
“bird watching”, and talking on the phone or visiting with her loved ones. She showed us that
you don’t need grand gestures to make a difference in the world—her love was her legacy.
We are extremely appreciative of the amazing staff at Kempton of Rock Hill, who became her
extended family and provided her with compassion, wonderful care, comfort, and most
importantly companionship during her final years. We cannot thank the staff enough for the
love they showed our Mom for the last 3 years. She was truly happy and blossomed after she
became a resident there.
We also are beyond grateful to her best friend Donna Hendershot who began as a private care
giver for our Mom fifteen years ago and was by her side until the very end. She showed our
Mom what it meant to have a true friend that loves you unconditionally.
She will be deeply missed by daughters Crystal Fagan (Matt) and Kelly King (Mason), her
precious grandsons Ryder and Watson King, sister Susie Maynard, brothers Chuck, Larry, Greg,
and Mark, numerous nieces and nephews, and all who knew her. She was preceded in death by
her mother, father, and two brothers.
A private family gathering will be held to celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be
made in her memory to Via Health Partners-Fort Mill (her Hospice care provider) or Active
Minds (a mental health organization helping young adults).