Deborah "Debbie" (Graves) Hulsey

Mrs. Deborah “Debbie” Graves Hulsey, age 69, of Gainesville, Georgia, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Lakewood Baptist Church in Gainesville. Funeral services will follow at 3:30 pm at the church. Dr. Tyler Smiley and Dr. Tom Smiley will officiate.

Debbie was born January 15, 1957, in Gainesville, Georgia. She was the daughter of the late William Lewis Graves and Lucy (Miller) Graves. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Christine Paddrick (Peter) and her brother-in-law, John Petterson, and her niece, Anne Elizabeth Sigler.

Debbie graduated from Gainesville High School in 1975. She then later attended Truett-McConnell College and Gainesville College. She worked in office work and restaurant work. Debbie owned and managed The Coffee Shop at Lawrence Pharmacy in the 1990’s. She met and married the love of her life, Clay Hulsey. They married at First Baptist Church in Gainesville. She was a loving wife to Clay for 41 years. They were truly devoted to each other. Debbie had many friends, especially church friends. Later she was a member at Lakewood Baptist Church, where she was a greeter and taught the 4-year-olds, whom she referred to as her babies.

Debbie was very empathic to people, having a great loving heart. She served on the original Board of Directors for Good News at Noon.

She is survived by her loving and faithful husband, Clay Hulsey; sisters, Linda Sigler (Don); and Cindy Petterson; brother, Michael C. Graves; 1 niece and 2 nephews and number of other family and friends also survive.

Flowers will be accepted or for those who desire donations may be made to Good News at Noon, 884 Dorsey Street, Gainesville, GA 30501. www.goodnewsatnoon.org/donate     

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel, 989 Riverside Drive, Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com  

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