Deborah “Debbie” Newton Mejia, a lifelong resident of St. Mary’s County, Maryland, passed away peacefully at her home in Ridge on October 25, 2025, alongside her beloved husband, Jose Mejia. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose kindness and quiet strength touched everyone who knew her.
Born on September 24, 1954, in Baltimore, Maryland, Debbie grew up, in Hollywood, MD surrounded by family and faith. As a young girl she attended St. John’s Catholic School. She graduated from Chopticon High School in 1973 and went on to proudly serve her country in the United States Air Force from April 1979 to September 1984, where she developed a deep sense of discipline, dedication, and honor that carried through her entire life.
On July 20, 1994, Debbie married the love of her life, Jose Mejia, and together they built a home filled with laughter, love, and faith. Their marriage was a testament to enduring devotion and partnership, lasting faithfully until their final day together. Through their union, they brought together a beautiful, blended family, embracing one another’s children as their own and creating a home where everyone was welcomed, valued, and loved.
Debbie found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments, spending quiet afternoons reading a good book, crocheting beautiful handmade pieces for loved ones, and cherishing every moment with her family. She also loved hosting gatherings and throwing wonderful parties for birthdays and anniversaries, ensuring every celebration was filled with joy, laughter, and togetherness. Some of the most treasured memories were made during the holidays, when the house would come alive with warmth, conversation, and the love of family gathered under one roof. Her gift for making others feel cared for turned every occasion into a cherished event.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Franklin T. and Goldie (Tasker) Newton; her brother, Franklin E. Newton; her granddaughter, Sara Browne; her great-granddaughter, Beth; and her great-grandson, Andy.
Debbie is survived by her sister, Stephanie Newton, and brother, Donald Newton; her daughters, Bobbi (James) Browne, Aracely (Juan) Perez, and Stephanie (Dustin) Shewbert; her stepdaughters, Ilcia (Alex) Escobar, Alba Luci (Gavitia), and Marixsa; and her stepson, Jose (Wendy) Escobar. She also leaves behind a loving legacy through her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, each a cherished reminder of her life and love.
A public viewing will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, with prayers recited at 7:00 PM, in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home in Leonardtown, MD, where a funeral service will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at 10:00 AM, in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow at Charles Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Leonardtown, MD.
A fellowship gathering will follow at Leonardtown Baptist Church, where family and friends are warmly invited to share memories and celebrate Debbie’s life.
Debbie’s legacy of love, service, and devotion will live on through the hearts of those she leaves behind. Her spirit will forever be felt in the laughter at family gatherings, the comfort of her handmade creations, and the lasting bonds she helped build among those she loved most.
Though she may no longer walk beside us, her light continues to shine- guiding, comforting, and reminding us of the beauty of a life lived with love, faith, and joy.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.