Deborah Robinson

In Loving Memory of Deborah Kelty Robinson

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Deborah Kelty Robinson, lovingly known as "TG" to everyone fortunate enough to know her, age 64, of Murfreesboro, TN, passed away on Sunday, August 2, 2026. Born in Aledo, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Daniel Francis Kelty and the late Lurline LeiLani Kelty. She is survived by her daughters Lani Harris and Chrissy Potts, of Murfreesboro, TN and a cherished mother-in-law to Shane Potts, whom she loved as her own. She was the proud and adoring grandmother of Kaytlin (Mark) England, Carson Froehlich, Emma Froehlich, Jaxson Covington, Nick Potts, and Kiptyn Potts. She was also a loving dog mom to her faithful companion, Mamfa, who was always by her side. She is also survived by sisters and brother: Pamela (John) Adair, Jennifer (Trey) Pegram, Melissa (Tom) Watson, Matthew Kelty and several loving nephews, nieces, and great nephews and nieces.

Debbie's greatest accomplishment and deepest joy was her family, and there was nothing she treasured more than the people she loved. Family was Debbie's entire world. She believed life was meant to be filled with laughter, traditions, and unforgettable memories. Whether she was organizing her famously crazy Christmas games, planning elaborate Easter egg hunts, or calling everyone together for a last-minute family game night, she had a special gift for making ordinary moments extraordinary. Christmas was always special — we'd laugh over the Christmas tree falling over, playing the Christmas Saran Wrap game. She understood that the greatest gifts in life weren't things, they were the memories made together.

To her grandchildren, there was no greater fan. Debbie truly believed each one of them was "perfect in every way." She delighted in spoiling them, with "chores" that somehow always produced a $200.00 bonus for the grand kids. She loved showing them unconditional love, and making sure they always felt special. Her home was their safe place, always stocked with their favorite snacks and drinks. One of Debbie's most beloved sayings was, "What happens at TG's stays at TG's." Her daughters quickly learned that when it came to the grandchildren, they had little say in how much TG was going to spoil them—and truthfully, they wouldn't have wanted it any other way. The love she gave so freely created a bond and a lifetime of memories that will forever be cherished.

She had a way of making holidays and everyday moments feel just as important. There was cooking “TG style”—especially Bob Evans potatoes for Kiptyn or McDonald's cheeseburgers for Carson. Kiptyn and Nick fondly remembers TG watching Tom & Jerry with them while sneaking chocy milk to them during sleepovers, along with grandkids running to wake T.G. up by jumping on her bed after the sleepovers. For Carson, there were the "hints" on where the golden Easter egg was hidden. Kaytlin remembers watching The Hunger Games movies with TG, and always finding the perfect hiding spot in T.G.'s closet—the "dreaded closet," as we'd joke. Emma loved painting T.G.'s toes and having TG paint hers in return, bringing over her "fancy" pedicure machine—and playing cards, especially spades, even when no one wanted to be TG's partner. Jaxson would color by numbers on T.G.'s iPad. Those little games of hide-and-seek, card games, and quiet moments are now treasures we'll carry forever.

She had her own sayings and little moments we'll never forget. We'd always smile when she'd end a text with "143," reminding us that "I love you" never needed to be complicated. And somehow, "I love you around the world and back again" became one of those phrases that will forever echo in our hearts.

Today, we mourn because we loved deeply. But we're also incredibly thankful. Thankful for every Christmas, every family game, every cheeseburger, every movie night, card games, every "143," every laugh, every hug, and every reminder that love can be found in the simplest moments. Though our hearts are broken, we know the love she gave us doesn't end here. It lives on in the traditions we'll continue, the stories we'll keep telling, and the family she loved so fiercely.

When we think about a life, it isn't just the big milestones we remember. It's the little moments, the traditions, the jokes, the routines, and the memories that somehow become the biggest parts of someone's story. She was the kind of person who could make the ordinary unforgettable.

We'll miss you more than words can ever express. We love you around the world and back again.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at Evergreen Cemetery under the direction of Woodfin Memorial Chapel. An online guestbook is available for the family at www.woodfinchapel.com.