Obituary of Deborah Jean Troxell

Fort Worth, Texas - Deborah (Debbie) Jean Gauntt Troxell passed away Saturday, April 27, 2024 at home in the presence of her family. She had been in the care of Vitas Hospice since exiting a long stay at Baylor Scott & White Hospital. 

Debbie was born on October 18, 1954, and was the second daughter born in Fort Worth to Harold Wayne (Red) and Dorothy Jean (Heath) Gauntt. In her early years she followed big sister Jackie everywhere wanting to be just like her. Debbie grew up in Fort Worth but spent a lot of her childhood time at the family ranch in Iredell, Texas.

Always with a keen eye for fashion, Debbie worked her high school and college years at the Oxford Shop, and later was Ladies Fashion Manager for James K. Wilson department store.

Debbie attended George C. Clarke Elementary, Wedgwood Middle and Southwest High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Texas Christian University where she was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority and upon graduation became a certified home economics teacher. She later received her Master of Science degree from Texas A&M University – Commerce.

She taught high school in the Irving ISD, Burleson ISD and Crowley ISD. While at North Crowley High School she coached the cheerleader squad, produced the senior prom, and developed a career and technology program training students for careers in the travel and hospitality industry.

Debbie met Hershell Lyle (Duke) Troxell, the love her life, in English class while at TCU. Debbie and Duke married shortly after her graduation. Their first child, a son Corey, was born in 1983 followed in 1985 by the birth of their daughter, Amanda, both of which graduated from TCU. She and Duke were married for 48 years until her passing.

Debbie was a wonderful wife and mother, never missing one of Corey’s baseball games, football games or golf tournaments. She was a Girl Scout den mother and was a cheerleader coach to Amanda.

She was predeceased by her father, Red, her mother, Dorothy, and her sister, Jacquelyn Ann Gauntt Davis.

Left to cherish her memory are husband, Duke; son, Corey Allen Troxell (wife, Allison); daughter, Amanda Leigh Trevino; grandsons, Archer Lyle Troxell and Reymundo Saenz (Duke) Trevino IV; brother-in-law, Kenneth R. Davis; nephew, Gregory W. Davis, Ph.D. (wife, Ellen); and nephew, Rimick Heath Davis.

Reception & Visitation: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 2, 2024 in The Drawing Room of Thompson's Harveson & Cole, 4350 River Oaks Blvd.

Celebration of Life Memorial Service: 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 3, 2024 in the Chapel of Thompson's Harveson & Cole, 4350 River Oaks Blvd. 

Memorials: Should friends desire, memorials may be given to the National Kidney Foundation.