Deborah R. Barrett

Deborah R. Barrett (nee Holloway) of Georgetown passed away Wednesday, September 1, 2021, surrounded by her family with Willie Nelson music playing softly by her side. She was born in Milford on May 24, 1945, to the late John and Marguerite “Peggy” Holloway. After her graduation from Salisbury State College, Debbie spent her career serving people, especially children. She started out working for the State of Delaware in Child Protective Services, moved to Family Court and then on to the Division of Foster Families. Upon retiring, she and her husband Mel bought a camper and traveled with their two Siamese cats. They visited historical sights and many NASCAR tracks. After his passing, her time was spent on weekend trips with her four favorite gal-pals, and she attended many Willie Nelson concerts over the years. When it was no longer easy for her to travel, she loved cooking shows, motorsports and talking about what was happening on the Young and the Restless. But most of all, nothing brought her more joy than spending time with her family and planning family events. She was predeceased by her husband, Melvin D. Barrett; her mother, Marguerite; her father and stepmother, John and Dorothy Holloway; and special Aunt and Uncle, Jeannette and Woody Holloway, who helped raise her after her mother died when Debbie was a young child. She is survived by two daughters and their spouses, Laurie and Gene Handlin of Ocean View and Susan and Todd Mitchell of Milton; granddaughter, Lindsay Titerence and her husband Aaron, of Bishopville, MD; and granddaughter, Jenna Mitchell and her fiancé, Michael LaDuca of Millsboro; three great-grandchildren: Noah, Charlotte and Levi; two stepbrothers, Terry Timmons and his wife Janice of Millsboro and Robert “Bookie” Timmons of Georgetown. Also surviving are Janice Welch and her husband, Raymond of St. Augustine, FL; Bob Holloway and his wife, Irene of Harrington; and Mary Rogers of Georgetown, with whom she had a special relationship, and lastly her beloved Siamese cat, Maxwell. She was thankful for her steadfast friendships throughout her working career and retirement: Pat Millman, Judy Skinner, Sharon Chaffinch and Isabel Rifenburg, and her neighbors, Bruce and Paula Penuel, for their friendship, care, and helpfulness during her illness. Jenna penned a most thoughtful tribute: “The world feels a little darker now without her in it, but she brought a light to this world that can’t really be dimmed. She loved everyone with dignity and grace. We are grateful for the memories and legacy she left behind”. “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around”, Willie Nelson A public memorial service will be held in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 609 E. Market St., Georgetown on Sunday, September 12, 2021, from 1 pm until 3 pm. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the SPCA, American Heart Association or charity of your choice.