Ms. Deborah Ann McAllister of Slocomb passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Wiregrass Medical Center in Geneva. She was 73.

Funeral services will be held Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the chapel of Sorrells Funeral Home in Slocomb with Reverend Joe Mack Sawyer officiating. Interment will follow at New Providence Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00AM and continuing until service time.

Deborah was born on January 6, 1953 in Dothan, Alabama to the late James Edward and Mary Joyce Isler Powell. Deborah lived a life marked by unwavering faith, servant-hearted love, and devotion to both family and community. A gifted homemaker, minister's wife, teacher, and public servant, she dedicated her life to caring for others and glorifying the Lord through every season of her life.

She had a deep love for cooking and found great joy in blessing others through meals prepared with care and love. Even on her final day on earth, she was still talking about discovering new recipes and cookbooks, a reflection of the passion she carried throughout her life. She also loved music and faithfully played the piano for church services for decades, using her talents to worship and serve.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. She spent her years living for the Lord through diligent Bible study, teaching His Word, and serving faithfully with her spiritual gifts, talents, and tithes. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, ministering to generations with wisdom, kindness, and grace. She lovingly created flower arrangements for church occasions and the altar, always seeking to bring beauty into God's house.

She never saw a need without wanting to help. Through visits, phone calls, prayers, encouragement, and thoughtful acts of kindness, she made others feel seen and loved. Gift-giving became an art form in her hands, as she carefully considered every detail, personality, and preference to make each person feel special and valued even down to a perfect bow.

As a pastor's wife for more than 30 years, she stood faithfully beside her husband in ministry, serving her church family with humility and compassion. As a stay-at-home mother, she poured her whole heart into raising her two boys, creating a home filled with love, faith, and encouragement. She had daily devotions and prayer with her boys before school.

Academically gifted and incredibly intelligent, she graduated at the top of her class from Troy University, earning numerous awards and scholarships for her outstanding achievements. She devoted more than 20 years to ministry work with the Geneva Baptist Association, receiving statewide recognition for her service and dedication. She also faithfully served the people of Alabama through a distinguished public service career with the state of Alabama spanning more than 24 years.

Above all, she will be remembered for her deep love for God, her selfless devotion to others, and the lasting impact she made on everyone blessed to know her.

Deborah is preceded in death by her parents; son, James Reuben McAllister and uncle, Kenneth Isler.

She leaves behind a loving family to carry on the memories and traditions including son, Reggie McAllister (Shawna); grandchildren: Kaya McAllister, Jordan McAllister, Brenna McAllister, Zachary McAllister; sister, Sharon Powell Galpin; brother, James Robert Powell (Renee) and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.