Obituary of Debra J. Phillips

GOUVERNEUR – Debra "Debbie" Jean Phillips, age 68, of Gouverneur, passed away on March 3, 2021 at Canton-Potsdam Hospital. There will be an hour of visitation at French Funeral Home in Gouverneur on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Face masks and social distancing will be practiced. Her funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with limited capacity. Burial will be in Gates Cemetery in Edwards. Condolences, memories, and pictures may be shared online at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Debra was born on February 26, 1953 in Gouverneur to the late Gerald and Leota (Hazelton) Thornton. She married Gerald Phillips on June 14, 1975 and worked as a private duty nurse for many years. She loved cooking (especially for others) doing puzzles, watching all sports (especially the New York Yankees), spending time socializing with her community of neighbors. She also loved to bowl, travel, working in her garden and soaking up the sun. Most of all, she really enjoyed spoiling her great-grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Gerald Phillips of Gouverneur, two daughters, Pamela and Reginald Curtis of DeKalb Junction, Billie Jo and Dan Boss of San Antonio, TX, a brother, Floyd and Ann Thornton of Edwards, and her grandchildren, Kristopher Boss of San Antonio, TX, Danielle and Andrew Charba of Longmont, CO, Zachary and Amanda Curtis of Ogdensburg, and Sarah and Luke Roberts of Fayetteville, AR. She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Debbie is predeceased by her parents, Gerald and Leota Thornton, and three brothers, Gerald, Dale, and Michael Thornton. Donations in memory of Debbie may be sent to Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund, PO Box 64, Gouverneur NY 13642.