Deborah Ann Orr

Deborah “Debby” Ann Orr (Barnes), age 71, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully, at home, in her sleep on August 16, 2020.

Debby was born the oldest child of Donald and Dorothea Barnes of Butler, Kentucky. After deciding to leave her hometown, Debby thought she would never find a place as beautiful as the Kentucky countryside; that is until she discovered Walton County and fell in love with the natural landscape of Northwest Florida. Debby followed her passion of art and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Studio Art from the University of West Florida. 

Deborah Orr leaves behind a legacy as an extraordinary potter with her specialty being creating bowls crafted from natural elements and finishing in a high-fire kiln. Debby not only loved making her art, she loved teaching her craft to others and giving back to her community. She was a beloved schoolteacher for the Walton and Okaloosa County School District and taught private classes at her personal art studio on her property.

She is preceded in death by her father, Donald R. Barnes (1963); and mother, Dorothea G. Barnes (2016). 

Debby is survived by her three sons, Ryan Orr, Evan Orr (Grace), and William Orr (Brittnie); daughter, Elizabeth Orr (Tyson); six grandchildren, Seth, Blake, Harrison, Liam, Castle, Lucy; sister, Kimberly Barnes-O’Connor; and her two dogs, Peter Fredrick, and Darla Ann.

“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” ~ John Lennon

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 1 at 10AM at Point Washington Cemetery.

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home and Crematory of DeFuniak Springs, Florida.