Billy And Shirley Deboxtel

Mr. Billy: August 12, 1941 – December 7, 2024

Mrs. Shirley: February 7, 1940 – December 7, 2024

A joint celebration of the lives of Mr. Billy and Mrs. Shirley deBoxtel will be held Thursday, December 12 at noon at Faith Ministries Church, 607 S Front Street, Sandersville, MS.  The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:45 at the church.  Burial will follow at Sandersville Baptist Church Cemetery. Robert Barham Family Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with arrangements.

It is with both sorrow and great hope that we announce the passing of Billy deBoxtel and Shirley deBoxtel, who entered their eternal home together on December 7, 2024. Married for 63 beautiful years, their journey on Earth came to a close just as they lived—side by side, united in love, faith, and devotion to one another and to Christ.

Billy and Shirley exemplified a life rooted in faith and service. They dedicated themselves to their family, their church, and their community, leaving behind a legacy of love that will endure for generations. Their unwavering commitment to their Savior, Jesus Christ, guided every step of their lives, providing them with strength in trials and joy in the everyday blessings.

Billy, former Chief of Police of the town of Sandersville, besides being the biggest fan of the New Orleans Saints, was known for his big sense of humor and willingness to share his story of redemption and God’s love with anyone who would listen.  Shirley brought warmth and light with her sweet spirit and acts of kindness, making every interaction with her customers at Community Bank special. Together, they lived out their faith in ways that touched countless lives. Whether hosting gatherings filled with laughter and good food, serving faithfully in their church, or offering a listening ear to anyone in need, their lives were a reflection of Christ’s love.

Their greatest joy was their family. They are survived by daughter Martha Barham (Bruce) and son James deBoxtel (Elizabeth); grandchildren, Brandi (John Michael), BJ (Summer), Brach (Sarah), Ryan (Whitney), and Thomas; and great grandchildren, Macie, Blaze, James, Bristol, Gavin, Mason, Merritt, Miller, Vallee, Odis, and Breeze, who will cherish the many memories of love, wisdom, and faith shared by these two incredible souls. Mr. Billy and Mrs. Shirley are also survived by a special nephew, Joey Windham, and loving neighbor and friend, Ms. Dorothy “Ms. Dot” Byers.  Their reunion in heaven brings comfort, as we know they are now rejoicing in the presence of the Lord and hearing the words, “Well done, good and faithful servants” (Matthew 25:23).

The deBoxtel family thanks the staff of ComfortCare of Laurel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, continuing their legacy of generosity and service to God’s kingdom.

Pallbearers will be BJ Barham, John Michael Churchill, Brach Barham, Thomas deBoxtel, Ryan deBoxtel, James Bonner, Blaze Anthony, Kyle Pool, Jerry Robinson, and Joey Windham.

Though our hearts ache with their absence, we are uplifted by the knowledge that this is not goodbye but “until we meet again.” Their love, a reflection of God’s eternal love, will continue to inspire us as we look forward to the day we are reunited in His glory.

Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die" (John 11:25-26).