Debra Blackston

Liberty, SC

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Debra Blackwell Blackston, 72, who went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 26, 2026, with her family by her side.

Born on September 25, 1951, in Walhalla, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Annie Pearl Young Blackwell. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and a cherished friend to many.

She began singing as a child and that continued into her adult life.  She and her sister Pam sang with Roy Knight then eventually they would move on and start a group with her husband called “The Destinations”.  For years they would travel around and sing and witness for the Lord.  Their children would soon step into their Aunt Pam’s role and continue.  Deb was always a prayer warrior; she would lend an ear or a shoulder to anyone.  She took on roles at church with James, leading VBS & children’s church.  She was active in church choir until she couldn’t anymore.  But she never wavered from her faith in God. Her last 7 weeks of her life she was on a mission like no other, to make sure everyone was ready to meet the Lord.  She would tell them all, you need to get “Rooted & Grounded” in God’s word, so when that Devil tries to knock you down, you just show him the door and that God’s got you.

Mrs. Blackston had fulfilling career as an Agent with Modern Woodmen of America, where she dedicated herself to serving the community through her work. Her professionalism and compassion for others made her a respected and beloved figure among her colleagues and clients.

An active member of Venture Church, Debra embraced her faith with a passionate spirit, sharing her love for God and her community. She found great joy in nurturing her faith and fostering a supportive environment for her family and friends.

Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband, James M. Blackston; her two daughters, Tonja Hart (Stanley), and Michelle Brock (Charlie); her loving grandchildren, Ashton Brock (Kelsey), Dalton Brock, Macy Brock (Johnny Allen), Molly Brock, Chonda Blackston, Seth Hart (Kayla), Toya Hart, Brad Hart (Kera), and Stephanie Hart; her great grandchildren, Hattie Grace Brock, James Emory Brock, Madison Hart, Alivia Hart, Cayden Hart, Charles Dunlap, Jeremiah Hart, Bailey Hart, Chloe Hart, Zay Price (Chloe), Amari Chamblee; her great-great grandson, Presley Briggs Price; her two sisters, Phyllis Smith, and Pam Burrell; her sister in law, Jo Ann Blackwell.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Blackston was preceded in death by her only son James “Jamey” Blackston, and her two brothers, Keith and Darrin Blackwell.

A memorial service to celebrate her homegoing will be held 3:00 PM Friday, July 31, 2026 in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:30 until 2:30 PM at the mortuary.

In these moments of loss, let us celebrate Debra’s life, her unwavering love for her family, and her steadfast faith that inspired all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will forever remain in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the National Kidney Foundation, https://www.kidney.org/offices/nkf-serving-carolinas.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

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