Debra Centers Wallace

Debra Centers Wallace passed away July 28, 2026, after a long and hard-fought battle with breast cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Dolores Centers. Debbie leaves behind her loving husband of 53 years, Aubrey B. Wallace; two daughters, Kelly Hughes (Billy), Amanda Todd (Joe), seven grandchildren: Will, Joshua, and Caroline Hughes, and Kate, Matthew, John, and Andrew Todd; brother Robert Centers (Margaret), sister Lori Braswell (Brian), and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Debbie was born September 14, 1953, in Sendai, Japan, to Ray and Dolores Centers. She was the oldest of three children. The Army took the family all around the United States before landing permanently in Augusta, GA. While attending Butler High School and actively participating in the youth program at Fleming Baptist Church, she met the love of her life, Aubrey Wallace. They began dating as teenagers and were married June 9, 1973. Their marriage was strong and steady, firmly grounded in Christ, and a blessing to their children and grandchildren.

Debbie worked for Columbia County School system for several years, serving in the offices of both Blue Ridge Elementary and Greenbrier Elementary before moving to the Human Resources Department in 1990. She developed many dear and precious friendships during these years. When she retired from Columbia County Schools in 2016, she joyfully settled into the role of full-time Nana.

Debbie loved Jesus. She believed He lived a perfect, sinless life on earth and died on the cross so that she might spend eternity with Him in heaven. Her faith afforded her an otherwise unexplainable joy and peace that gave her a precious smile and spirit, even on the most difficult days of her cancer battle. She had a great desire to share her love for Jesus with others, particularly teenagers. For years, she and Aubrey worked faithfully with the youth of Hillcrest Baptist, GraceWay Church, and First Baptist Augusta. They would open up their home regularly for Bible studies and gatherings, attend youth camps and youth choir tours or weekend retreats, making it high priority to see the next generation come to Christ. She loved music and was an accomplished pianist and accompanist for many years for the youth choirs of GraceWay and FBC Augusta.

Debbie loved her people well. She had a keen interest in the lives of others, and genuinely shared in the joys, struggles, and sorrows of her friends and loved ones. She was a loyal friend and an excellent mother. Her two girls were her pride and joy. But all who knew her knew the light and joy of her life were her seven grandchildren. She faithfully attended every sporting event, recital, performance, and program featuring her beloved “seven.” Nana was and will continue to be loved immeasurably by Will, Kate, Matthew, John, Joshua, Caroline, and Andrew. She had unique and special relationships with each one which she thoughtfully and carefully nurtured. There is no shortage of memories from the countless beach trips and vacations, birthday parties, escape rooms, movies, Putt-Putt matches, baking parties, boat cruises, sing-alongs, Easter egg hunts, holidays, and family dinners together.

The family will receive friends Sunday, August 2, 2026, from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in Simmons Hall at Warren Baptist Church of Augusta. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Augusta Christian Schools in memory of Mrs. Debbie Wallace.

Debbie was passionate about education, particularly where her grandchildren were concerned, who all attend Augusta Christian Schools. Memorial gifts made in her honor will continue to support the Christ-centered mission of Augusta Christian and serve as a lasting tribute to her life and legacy.

To make a memorial gift, please visit: https://augustachristianschool.factsmgtadmin.com/give/

In the “Note” line, please include “In Memory of Debbie Wallace” so the family may be notified of your thoughtful gift.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com