Deborah L. “Debbie” Coffelt, of Tullahoma, entered into Glory on Friday, April 24th, 2026 at McArthur Manor Assisted Living in Manchester at the age of 66. Debbie was born in Kokomo, Indiana to the late Paul J. and Betty Tooley Hopkins.

Guided by her strong faith in God, Debbie joyfully attended and served the Lord at Grace Baptist Church of Tullahoma for over 25 years. She thoroughly enjoyed studying God’s word with her Sunday School classmates and teacher Donna Petty, providing childcare, assisting with Baptisms, serving meals and volunteering for Vacation Bible School.

Debbie was an accomplished and avid life-long learner. She was a regular Principle’s and Dean’s List recipient throughout her academic career. As a High School Senior, she was selected for National Honor Society membership. As a Freshman at Ball State University, Muncie, IN, she was selected for membership into Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society which recognizes top-performing first-year students offering networking, scholarships, and professional development. Upon graduation from Ball State in 1982, Debbie was awarded Cum Laude Academic Honors with a B.S. Degree in Finance and Banking and a Minor in Accounting.

During Debbie’s 30+ year Air Force Civilian career as a Financial Accountant, she completed countless upgrade training credits and required advanced certifications. She diligently advanced through the Government Service ranks serving at: Incirlik AB, Adana, Turkey, McClellan AFB, Sacramento, CA, Head Quarters Air Force Material Command at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH and achieving GS-12 status at Arnold Engineering Development Center in Tullahoma, TN. At each assignment, Debbie took great pride and honor in serving America, the United States Air Force and her customers with impeccable attention to detail, dependable speed and meticulous accounting accuracy.

As a Wife and Mother, Debbie was equally passionate and committed. Debbie and her Husband, Mike, met over 53 years ago in their hometown of Kokomo, IN. Their relationship grew stronger while attending college together at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Married on August 21, 1982, Debbie displayed unwavering support of Mike’s Military career and the challenges associated with each new assignment. Forty-Seven years of marriage were highlighted by the birth of their Son, Michael Steven, who deeply blessed them in July of 1992 and Daughter, Sarah Faith, who amplified their joy in October of 1998. Debbie took great pride and joy in their children’s development, academic achievements and extracurricular activities. In her free time, Debbie enjoyed watching and playing numerous sports, attending concerts, reading, and she never turned down the chance to unravel a good magic trick or solve an intriguing mystery.

In addition to her parents, Debbie was preceded in death by one brother, Michael Hopkins. She is survived by her husband, Mike Coffelt; son, Steven Coffelt; daughter, Sarah Coffelt; sister, Angela (Ted) Dimitt; and brother, Doug Hopkins.

Visitation for Mrs. Coffelt will be held on Thursday, May 7 from 5-7 p.m. at Kilgore Funeral Home. A service to celebrate Debbie’s life will follow at 7 p.m. in the Kilgore Funeral Home chapel with Tim McGehee officiating.

In lieu of flowers, feel free to make donations to Grace Baptist Church of Tullahoma Children’s Ministries; or the American Cancer Society – Glioblastoma.

Kilgore Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – April 29, 2026