Debra "Debbie" Nooe Russell

Debra “Debbie” Nooe Russell, 70, of Troy, North Carolina, entered her heavenly home on March 13, 2026, after a courageous nine-year battle with cancer.

Born on June 1, 1955, in Troy, Debbie was the daughter of Howard and Arlene Nooe. She was a devoted wife, mother, Nana, teacher, and friend whose life was defined by faith, compassion, and a deep love for others. Those who knew Debbie often said that to know her was to be loved by her. She had a gift for making people feel valued and cared for, offering encouragement, warm hugs, and a joyful spirit to everyone she met.

Debbie dedicated more than 30 years to education, teaching at Troy Elementary School and Wescare Christian Academy. She loved her students as if they were family and made a lasting impact on generations of children. A faithful member of Troy First Wesleyan Church, she lived her Christian faith through kindness, service, and unwavering devotion to God and her family. Throughout her nine-year cancer journey, Debbie faced every challenge with remarkable courage, determination, and grace. Her strength inspired family, friends, and caregivers alike, and she formed many cherished friendships along the way.

Debbie found joy in life's simple blessings: the beach, the water, blooming daffodils, and time spent with family and friends. Her greatest joy, however, was the people she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Arlene Nooe, and her sister, Phyllis Jean Nooe. She is survived by her husband, Frank Russell of Troy; son, Daniel Russell and wife Courtney of Fernandina Beach, Florida; daughter, Charity Saunders and husband Jason of Troy; brothers, Easton R. “Buck” Nooe of Statesville and Wayne Nooe and wife Amy of Williamsburg, Virginia; grandchildren, Foster and Finn Russell and Brayden Mabe; and many nieces and nephews who were loved as her own.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at First Wesleyan Church in Troy, North Carolina. The family request that in honor of Debbie’s favorite color everyone wear purple.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blood CancerUnited https://events.lls.org/pages/home/velopalmetto2026/drussell or St Jude’s Children Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate in Debbie’s memo.

Bumgarner Family Funeral Service is serving the Russell family.