Debra Bell Hurst Seigfried, age 71, of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at home on November 7, 2025, after a courageous fight with glioblastoma. Born on May 16, 1954, in Beckley, West Virginia, Debbie lived a life full of love, strength, and compassion. She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Bell, Jr., and her brother, Robert Bell, III.

She is survived by her husband of 28 years, Robert Seigfried; her mother, Jane Cole; her children Toni (George) Luttrell, Angela (Jerry) Casey, and Thomas "T.J." Haynes Hurst Jr., and her cherished grandchildren Allie Kimbrough, Avery Casey, Garrett Truett, Hatch Casey, Mia Hurst, and Coda Casey. She also leaves behind her sisters along with several nieces and nephews.

Debbie went to Maplewood High School, where she was very proud of her days as Head Majorette.

A lifelong educator, Debbie earned her master's degree from Vanderbilt University's Peabody College of Education in 1980. She began her teaching career at the University School of Nashville before dedicating 32 years to the Rutherford County School System - 6 years at Smyrna Elementary and 26 years at Homer Pittard Campus School. She carried her talent and joy for baton twirling throughout her life, delighting countless children and families each year as she performed at the beloved Campus School Kindergarten Circus. Her passion and excellence in the classroom were recognized when she was honored as District Level Teacher of the Year.

Even after retiring in 2017, Debbie could not stay away from her calling. She returned to the classroom to teach preschool at First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro and continued to inspire and nurture young minds as a private tutor from her beloved "little white house" in the backyard.

Teaching was more than a career for Debbie—it was her ministry and her joy. Every day was an opportunity for a new project, a science experiment, or a hands-on discovery. She saw potential in every child and every moment, often saying she could "make a project out of anything."

Beyond her extraordinary gift as a teacher, Debbie's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She loved to share the message of Jesus Christ with everyone she met, leading many to the Lord and praying faithfully for countless others. Her generosity, compassion, and unwavering belief in God's goodness touched everyone who crossed her path.

Debbie will be remembered for her kind heart, her contagious enthusiasm for learning, and her steadfast faith. She gave selflessly, loved deeply, and lived fully—leaving a legacy of love, learning, and laughter that will continue through her family, her students, and all who were blessed to know her.

Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday, November 16, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Woodfin Memorial Chapel, Murfreesboro. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday following the visitation with Pastor Bill Adcock officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery with family serving as pallbearers.

An online guestbook for the family is available at www.woofinchapel.com.