Deborah Kennedy Garner
April 20, 1954 ~ March 2, 2026
For 32 years, Deb served as an educator with Moore County Schools. She poured her passion for education into the many children who crossed her doorway. She invested her time and energy into shaping young minds, pushing her students to be better, work harder, and believe in themselves.
Her love for sports carried into her teaching career, where she coached basketball and supported school athletics. But her proudest role was being the biggest fan of her sons, Matthew and Mitchell Garner. She followed them faithfully to every game and school event, cheering from the stands. While her passion for teaching was strong, her love for her boys was stronger.
Her sons later blessed her with grandchildren. She continued to show up for them the same way she had for her boys, at school programs, sporting events, and graduations- steady, proud, and ever-present.
Family and friends knew if you called her for advice, you knew to be ready. She was known for giving straightforward answers with no sugarcoating. Her honesty was firm, sometimes blunt, but always rooted in love and a desire to see others grow.
Many may not have known that Deb was an avid fan of Willie Nelson and Keith Urban. If you were fortunate enough to attend a concert with her, you experienced a different side of Deb, fully in her element, sharing her love of music and enjoying every moment.
She is survived by her sons, Matthew Garner (Tracy) and Mitchell Garner; her sister, Kay Phillips (Butch); and her grandchildren: Mason Garner, Nash Garner, Myles Garner, Reese Hancock, and Ella Fields.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 30 years, James “Jimmy” Garner, and her beloved parents, Lloyd and Vernell Kennedy.
Deb will be missed by her family, friends, and the many students whose lives she influenced. Her legacy is one of resilience, truth, and unwavering support. She told it like it was, stood firm in what she believed, and loved her family with everything she had.
Deb’s life will be celebrated with family receiving friends from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. and funeral service at 2:00 pm on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Robbins First Baptist Church fellowship hall. Burial to follow at Pine Rest Cemetery, Robbins N.C.
Condolences online at pinesfunerals.com
Services
Funeral Service: March 6, 2026 2:00 pm
Robbins First Baptist Church
651 E Hemp Street
Robbins, NC 27325
910-948-2768
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God bless you and the family in the loss of Deborah Kennedy Garner, my friend and NMHS classmate of 1972.
Love and prayers,
Sue Williams Blanton
My deepest sympathies Matt, Mitchell and family.Prayers for you all as you navigate this grief journey.
My classmate of North Moore High School 1972 !
Deb will be missed ! Prayers go out to the family and friends !
Matt, Mitchell, Kay, and families
May God give you…..
A rainbow for every storm;
A smile for every tear;
A promise for every care;
And for every prayer an answer.
May you all feel God’s love during this difficult time. Deb was the oldest of the Kennedy girls and will be missed.
Rest assured in knowing she is with her beloved Jim, Uncle Lloyd and Aunt Nell
Kim and I are grieved for you all in your loss of Deb. She was always kind and encouraging to us. She will be missed. May God cradle you all in His loving arms in your grief and in the days to come. We love you. Kim and Bruce Williams
played together when we were kids. I know she will be missed. Prayers for her family.
Brenda Garner Cassady
Matthew & Mitchell, I’m so sorry for the loss of your mother. I know she will be missed not only by you but by those precious grandchildren. Love & prayers.