Deborah Lee Horton

Deborah Lee Horton, formerly of Kennesaw, GA, died October 22, 2025 from complications due to Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born August 4, 1953 in Chicago, IL to Paula Lunette Droddy and Joseph Dudley Ray Tompkins, who was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Center. She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved stepfather, Joseph Terrell Kay. She grew up in Charleston, WV surrounded by family, particularly her cousins Suzanne and Tom Bossie. After graduating from Charleston High, she earned her bachelor’s degree from West Virginia University in 1975. Deb worked as an executive assistant in architectural firms, in Charleston, Wilmington, NC, and Chicago, concluding with over twenty years at Smallwood in Atlanta. Deb had two children with James D. Horton, Ben (Laura) and Katie Adkins (Matthew). She is survived by her brother, J. Andrew Tompkins (Jackalie Blue), stepsister, Meloney Thompson, her children and grandchildren – Jack Horton, Evelyn Horton, and Wren Adkins. She was a member of Heritage Presbyterian Church, Acworth, where she worked in the Jay Weaver Food Pantry as long as she was able. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Food Pantry, 5323 Bells Ferry Road, Acworth, GA 30102.