Deborah Darlene (Breland) Gunter

Deborah Darlene Gunter, 69, passed away on April 01, 2024 at her home in Sumrall, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 13, 1955 in Hattiesburg, the daughter and baby of eight to Luther M. and Myrtis Lucille (Coleman) Breland. Debbie, as she was known to most, grew up a country girl in the old "Brealerville" community of Stone county, where she loved the outdoors. She learned the old country ways from her parents, and held to them through the years. Fishing, gardening, canning, cooking, and more, Debbie was all about it. She attended and graduated from Stone High in the mid 70s, got married and made her home in Brealerville as well. Debbie stayed at home for the most part, raising her two children and taking care of her home. Her second marriage took her to the Bond community where she lived for several years, until her husband passed away and she moved back to Perkinston. Some time later, she met John Jaycox, better known as Skippy. For the past 30 years or so, they have been in the Deep Creek community enjoying life together. Deborah drove school busses for Stone county for many years, and also worked at the Chevron in Wiggins as well. When she wasn't working, she continued to enjoy fishing and the outdoors. Floating the creek, camping out, taking care of her flowers and more, Debbie was usually outside doing something. She had a wild "pet" deer that she named "Mama White Nose". Just sitting and watching her every day, talking to her, and throwing her bread and other treats, the deer eventually came to eat out of her hand. Mama White Nose, and her babies as well, loved bread and animal crackers, which Debbie always kept on hand for them. Debbie enjoyed and cared for her animals now, but she loved her family, especially those grandchildren, spending as much time as possible with them. She loved to cook and have her family over, always making sure they were well fed. A loving sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, Debbie will be forever missed by all whose life she touched. She was preceded by her parents, Luther and Myrtis Breland; her sisters Glenda Dedeaux, Mary Langley, Carolyn Draper, Evelyn Smith, and Janice Jellison. Left to cherish the many fond memories are: her partner in life and fiancé, John "Skippy" Jaycox; her children, Shane Mcgee and Cassie (Randall) Loftin, both of Sumrall; her siblings: a brother James Breland, and her sister Kay Easterling. Debbie leaves a legacy of four grandchildren: Haley and Carly McGee, and Maci and Skylar Loftin, along with several extended family and many friends. Debbie's final wishes were to be cremated, which her family is honoring. They are planning a celebration of her life to be held at a later date. Debbie worked and saved funds for her final expenses so her family would not have to worry about that. The family requests that in lieu of any floral arrangements, it would honor Debbie greatly for you to consider making a donation to your favorite charity in her honor, or if you would prefer, donations can be made to Trinity Funeral Services to be used for other needy families in times like this. No donation is too small and all will be greatly appreciated. Those donations can be made by clicking the "Donations" tab above, or simply sending it directly to Trinity with clear notation included. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Gunter family in their time of need and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers through the days ahead.