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Williamsburg Funeral Home
Williamsburg Funeral Home
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10/19/1954 – 10/03/2026
Salters, SC
Salters, SC
Funeral Services
A memorial service for Debbie will be held at 11 AM, Friday, October 9, 2026, at Union Presbyterian Church, 2501 M.L. King Jr Hwy, Salters, SC 29590.
Visitation
Following the service, A reception will be held in the Martin Building.
Memorials
Memorials may be made to Union Presbyterian Church, c/o Diane Boyd, 114 E. Brooks Street, Kingstree, SC 29556.
Deborah “Debbie” McCollough Burrows, 71, beloved wife of Leon Joseph “Joe” Burrows, died Saturday, October 3, 2026, at McLeod Hospice House surrounded by her family.
Debbie was born October 19, 1954, in Charleston, SC, a daughter of Fay Louise Georgia McCollough Petrovitz and the late Edward Gordon McCollough. She was a graduate of Williamsburg Academy and Francis Marion College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Debbie was a lifelong member of Union Presbyterian Church in Salters.
She grew up in Salters, SC surrounded by nature, friends, and family. Debbie inherited her creative nature from her mother Faye, and like her mother, she shared her passion and talent with the people around her. Her students at Greeleyville Elementary School were the first beneficiaries of her talent and creativity. Later when she taught at C.E. Murray High School, her passion fueled a new generation of artists and students who went on to become art teachers themselves. Her creativity didn’t end with just canvas and paint. Her home, including her yard, were her canvases and she created beauty there. While Debbie found great joy in her creativity and teaching, her greatest joy was her family. She loved her husband, children, and grandchildren more than anything in this world. She treasured every moment spent with them and took great pride in their lives and accomplishments. Her three grandchildren, Trystan, Rowdy, and Hunter, held an especially special place in her heart. They brought her endless happiness, and being their grandmother was one of the greatest blessings of her life. She adored each of them and was incredibly proud of the people they were becoming.
In addition to her mother Fay and her husband Joe, Debbie is survived by: her son, Kent (Janalee) Burrows of Salters; her daughter, Tanna (Charles) Grantham of Florence; her adored grandchildren, Trystan Burrows, Rowdy Burrows, and Hunter Grantham; her sister, Georgia (Rob) Kincaid; her brother, Edward “Eddie” (Jorge Mendez Collazo) McCollough; her stepfather, Joe Petrovitz; a niece and two nephews, and many cherished cousins.
A memorial service for Debbie will be held at 11 AM, Friday, October 9, 2026, at Union Presbyterian Church, 2501 M.L. King Jr Hwy, Salters, SC 29590. Following the service, A reception will be held in the Martin Building. Memorials may be made to Union Presbyterian Church, c/o Diane Boyd, 114 E. Brooks Street, Kingstree, SC 29556. Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituary page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.
Debbie was born October 19, 1954, in Charleston, SC, a daughter of Fay Louise Georgia McCollough Petrovitz and the late Edward Gordon McCollough. She was a graduate of Williamsburg Academy and Francis Marion College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Debbie was a lifelong member of Union Presbyterian Church in Salters.
She grew up in Salters, SC surrounded by nature, friends, and family. Debbie inherited her creative nature from her mother Faye, and like her mother, she shared her passion and talent with the people around her. Her students at Greeleyville Elementary School were the first beneficiaries of her talent and creativity. Later when she taught at C.E. Murray High School, her passion fueled a new generation of artists and students who went on to become art teachers themselves. Her creativity didn’t end with just canvas and paint. Her home, including her yard, were her canvases and she created beauty there. While Debbie found great joy in her creativity and teaching, her greatest joy was her family. She loved her husband, children, and grandchildren more than anything in this world. She treasured every moment spent with them and took great pride in their lives and accomplishments. Her three grandchildren, Trystan, Rowdy, and Hunter, held an especially special place in her heart. They brought her endless happiness, and being their grandmother was one of the greatest blessings of her life. She adored each of them and was incredibly proud of the people they were becoming.
In addition to her mother Fay and her husband Joe, Debbie is survived by: her son, Kent (Janalee) Burrows of Salters; her daughter, Tanna (Charles) Grantham of Florence; her adored grandchildren, Trystan Burrows, Rowdy Burrows, and Hunter Grantham; her sister, Georgia (Rob) Kincaid; her brother, Edward “Eddie” (Jorge Mendez Collazo) McCollough; her stepfather, Joe Petrovitz; a niece and two nephews, and many cherished cousins.
A memorial service for Debbie will be held at 11 AM, Friday, October 9, 2026, at Union Presbyterian Church, 2501 M.L. King Jr Hwy, Salters, SC 29590. Following the service, A reception will be held in the Martin Building. Memorials may be made to Union Presbyterian Church, c/o Diane Boyd, 114 E. Brooks Street, Kingstree, SC 29556. Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituary page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.
Prayers for all of you
So sad to hear this Joe. You are in my prayers.
Mrs. Burrows was a very beautiful and sweet lady. She was my art teacher at C. E. Murray High School. She was such a great teacher. I am very saddened to know of her passing. May God continue to give the family strength during this difficult time.
My condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers will be with u..One of the sweetest teachers u ever wanna have…Beautiful person inside and out
My deepest condolences to the Burrows family. Mrs Burrows was such an amazing educator and artist. I will forever be grateful to have had her as a teacher.
Mrs. Burrows was such a beautiful soul. She had a special gift for inspiring all of her students to embrace their creativity, express themselves freely, and always be their authentic selves. Her impact reached far beyond the classroom, and the lessons she shared will continue to live on through the many lives she touched. She will truly be missed and forever remembered.
Sending love,hugs Prayers and condolences to your family.She was a sweetheart to her students and my mother the late Ophelia Matthews.So sorry!!!🙏🙏🙏 Gloria(Charles)Joe,Matthews and Gamble Family.
Joe, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family.
No matter how she taught me how to stay in between the lines and shadow the blend’s. I stayed outside the lines….. Because I have learned In life that with everything beautiful, there’s pain in theportrait……. Love you Ms Burrows Thank you
Abstract Art
That picture is everything!! I so loved Debbie. So talented. So witty. And that laugh. And that Vega. I was so honored to experience so many memories of her.
Mrs. Burrows,
You will truly be missed. I’ll never forget that you saw in me what I couldn’t see in myself in school. You helped me to embrace my artistic gifts and taught me a different perspective of life, through art. Running into you around town even 25 years after graduating was always a special moment for the both of us. Even in my adulthood, you encouraged me in our encounters. I’ll always remember and love you, for loving me and everyone you came in contact with.
Rest in Jesus arms, Well done Mrs. Burrows.
Prayers for Mrs. Debbie’s family. It was shocking and we are saddened to hear of her passing. Such a sweet person. RIP.
This news has saddened me. Mrs. Burrows taught me in both elementary and high school. She was such a sweetheart. My sincere condolences to her family, friends and all those lives she touched for so many years. Rest in peace & paradise Mrs. Burrows.🩷 🙏🏾🕊️
So sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing….we lived in Salters many years ago… 🙏🙏
I had the pleasure of exploring the world of art at C. E. Murray high. She was kind and her passion for creative art was vibrant as the colors of the color wheel. May the good Lord comfort her family and may the strength of love & unity keep you.
My sincere condolences to her family. Mrs. Burrows nurtured my creativity. Truly a beautiful soul. Praying for peace and comfort for her family. 🙏🏿❤️
Joe, I’m very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ms. Debbie was a sweet lady that will be missed. My condolences to her family. May God give you the strength in the days ahead.
I am so saddened at hearing of the loss of such a sweet and special person as Debbie. May God wrap His arms around you ,Joe, and all of your family. May her memory be an eternal blessing.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family, Debbie was a wonderful person. When my mother died in 1977 when I was 10, Debbie took me and my sister to the lake for a week, swimming, fishing, and sandwich lunches. I will always remember her for that. She will always be in my heart.
My Condolences! Too the Family ! She was an awesome art Teacher…May God continue too strengthen You all during this time. Sheila D. Gibson & Family
I am so sorry to hear about Debbie. Prayers for comfort and peace for the family and all that loved her. Special Hug to her sweet sister, Georgia.
Mrs. Burrows was a kind soul and a wonderful teacher. I am thankful to have been one of her students many years ago. My thoughts are with her family and my hope for them is to find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
So very sorry to hear this. Debbie was a beautiful person inside and out. Praying for you all.
What a wonderful lady. I remember when she arrived at Greeleyville Elementary School. We may have been the first class of her teaching career. We were definitely her first class at GES. That would have been 1978-79. She was my favorite teacher of all time. What a beautiful person with a genuine heart. I have so many personal stories involving her; stories that shaped who I became as a teacher. Thank you for loving your students with you whole heart. May you rest in eternal peace.
Sorry for your lost Joe, 🙏for you and your family
Debbie was a loving and generous person; always giving to folks and talking to people everywhere she went. A beautiful human being, inside and out. Debbie, you will be sorely missed. Rest now.
You and your family have my condolences. Several mornings Mrs Burrows took my brother and me to school. She was a lovely lady.
So sorry to see this. Prayers that your loving memories will bring you comfort.
My favorite art teacher. She showed me so much and guided me to perfect my art and creativity. I will always cherise her! My condolences to her family during this time.
When I was awarded the postmaster position in Salters, Debbie and her husband, Joe, were two of the first people who welcomed me to the downtown area. Debbie and I were close ever since. Although I need prayer on this one myself, I am praying for the family. To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord!!
Sleep well my friend! 🧡
Debbie, My Debbie, My Namesake:Deborah & Debra, Words cannot express how my heart hurts right now. People can search the world over and never find a friend like you. We worked together, we rode to school together, we laughed together, we cried together, we shared our deepest heartfelt thoughts, we raised our children together, and we prayed together. I will never forget you. I am not saying good by, just farewell go now. My deepest condolences to the family, l love ❤️ you Debbie🥲
My Deepest Condolence to Mrs. Burrows Family. She was a awesome art teacher at C. E. Murray High School and will truly be Missed. RIP Mrs. Burrows.
My condolences to the Burrows family. She was a sweet soul who will be deeply missed.
Joe and family, so sorry to hear of your loss.
Kindness, gentleness, and creativity with a beautiful smile – that’s the Debbie I will remember. This world was a brighter place because of her presence!
To the Burrow’s family
My deepest condolences goes out to each and everyone of you. I’m saddened to hear about my favorite art teacher passing. Mrs. Burrows was sweetest art teacher and she made me to be a creative person who couldn’t never draw well. After I left from her class I was very creative. She is really going to be missed. I pray for strength and love within the family during this time of sorrow. She will continue to live on through C.E. Murray High school.
Great educators are hard to find. She was indeed a beloved example of an amazing woman.
My condolences, sending up prayers for the family. We cross paths when you Tanna worked at Cato , and she was a nice person.🙏🙏🙏
So very sorry to hear of Debbie’s passing. She was such a sweet person. My prayers for all of you for comfort.
I am saddened by this loss of such a wonderful woman. Her love for her family was unsurpassed. I was fortunate to get to know her through her precious granddaughter, Hunter, and our talks during Joe’s illness. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear this. My heart goes out to Joe and the rest of the family.
The above condolences exemplify a compassionate, special lady. Rest in peace in your new heavenly home. I will miss you and your lovely laugh.
Aunt Jean
So sorry to hear of the loss of one of the kindest and creative teachers that I have ever experienced. My love for art was nurtured by Mrs. Burrows. She encouraged me to share my art. I am the creative person that I am today because of her. She will truly be missed.
Mrs. burrows was a sweet kind wonderful person with a beautiful smile. She was my art teacher at C.E Murray.
Joe, I’m sorry to hear of your lovely wife’s passing. May God comfort you & your family.
Rosalyn F Way
Condolences to the family. She was my high school art teacher, we shared more than just art work during my time at C.E Murray. One of my fondest memories is when I babysat her kids, Tanna had me playing hide n go seek… Mrs. Burrows (Debbie) will always have a special place in my heart ❤️.
Joe, you and your family is in my prayers. Debbie will be missed as she was a light to the people she met and talked to. She came to be a friend to me and the rest of FTC.
We are thinking of all of you with much love.
Len B. and Claire Hudson Gaskins
I am so saddened to hear this. Mrs. Burrows is the one teacher that I think about often. I carry her belief in me everytime I create because she saw something in me before I could see it in myself. Mrs. Burrows will be deeply missed. Her family and friends have my sincerest condolences. Tee’an c/o 2001
My sincerest condolences to the family of one of the most beautiful souls I have had the pleasure of learning experiencing. She found the untapped potential and gifts in me that I wasn’t sure I had the ability to share with the world. It is because of her and her belief in me that I am willing to have the same beliefs in myself! The scenes of Heaven will be even more beautiful upon her arrival. May God grant you all strength and peace during this time.
Debbie was an absolute wonderful person to know and the best teenage chaperone ever! I pray for peace and comfort for her family and friends.
The world has lost a fantastic teacher, creative spirit, and one of the kindest humans God put on this earth. I had the privilege of teaching with Debbie was many years. She was my artistic anchor and my sounding board. We were kindred spirits. She will be missed. Her spirit will live on through her children and grandchildren. May her family find peace in knowing that Debbie left her mark on the world through the students she taught and the people she inspired.
My beloved Deb is in heaven with God Almighty and Jesus Christ. God said we are flesh and spirit. At death our flesh decays. And our
Spirit is taken back by the Lord.
I feel in my heart that Christ took Deb over the great divide to heaven for eternal life with the Father and Son. She was one of His angels …Love Mom
One of the sweetest and kindest teachers I’ve had. Always positive and motivating.
The news of Debbie’s passing has certainly saddened our hearts. Debbie was a real friend and such a special friend to me. She was the type of coworker that made going to work and encountering her, such a joy. I am praying for the family because certainly you have lost a jewel. Rest well my Sister! Forever in our hearts!
Heaven is a more colorful place if that could be possible because it has gained a beautiful angel. She always greeted everyone with a smile no matter who you were. She will be missed by many. Thank you Debbie for touching so many lives in many ways.
Debbie was such a special person. She took my daughter under her artistic wings and gave her private art lessons! Hannah today is so grateful to Debbie! She was one of a kind! I pray for her family and wish them comfort during this difficult time.
Joe I’m so sorry. May God be with you my friend.
My condolences to the Burrows family. Mrs. Burrows was an Educator beyond measure. Her legacy will live on in us and she will always be remembered.
This breaks my heart. Debbie was a great woman. My sincere condolences to her family
Words are inadequate to express the feeling of losing Mrs. Burrows. She taught Our Children and younger Siblings. I bonded with her personally helping with her house keeping and assisting with her Daughter’ wedding Reception. Thank God for Loaning Debbie to Us for almost 72 years. She’s forever ♾️ in My Heart 💜. When God created her, God broke the Mold. 💐❤️🙏🏾💐
Sorry for your loss. Pray for comfort at this time.
Hearing the devastating news made me flash back to the four years of her being my art teacher in high school. Mrs. Burrows meant a lot to me. She was patient with me and others. She was a superior art teacher that pulled out the artist in all her students. Mrs. Burrows was one of my favorite teachers and made a tremendous impact on my life and she was just beautiful human being. I know God received an angel because she was an angel when she walked amongst us. To the family, I appreciate you all sharing her with me and C.E. Murray HS. She was a special woman! I pray God gives the family the strength and healing power during this time. And look for random “ghost winks”. In the movie Haunted Mansion, it revealed that a “ghost wink” is a subtle, meaningful sign or message left by a deceased loved one to let you know they are still watching over you. I know Mrs. Burrows will be family’s guardian angel!
May her legacy continue through those who loved her and carry her light forth within them.
May your family’s memories of her be a blessing.
Oh how we loved Debbie. She was such a ray of sunshine when she came on board with us here at Vital Aging. She was a wonderful co-worker and became a great friend. We got to know Debbie and felt like we knew her family through her and we love them all dearly. She will be forever loved and missed. Prayers for this precious family, saying goodbye is never easy but thankfully it isn’t forever. Until we see you again Debbie, we will always love you.
Condolences to the family. Debbie were such a lovely person inside and out, I will never forget your soft spoken voice, rest in peace
Mrs Burrows was such a beautiful person inside and out every time I saw her, we would give each other a big hug she was an amazing teacher. She will truly be missed my condolence to the family.
We are so very sorry for your loss. Debbie was a dear and sweet friend and always had a smile. I had lifted her in my prayers just again this morning, not knowing she had already passed. Our prayers are with the family. Love in Christ, Sheryl and Chuck
Michal Grayson I love Deb, Georgia and Eddie. They were my closest family growing up. I cherish the memories. Debbie was a salt of the earth type person. She will be missed. I love the family and they are my closest cousins.
Mrs. Burrow. You were a fantastic teacher and leader in the community. You helped my family so much with your kindness and showed me so grace when I was in High school. My favorite Art Teacher ever.
Shantel Wingate and family
Prayers for peace and comfort. I had the pleasure of having her as my 4th grade teacher and at CEM as my Art teacher. She was the sweetest teacher ever. I could go on and on with so many precious moments we have shared. I know she’s rejoicing in heaven as a heavenly angel. She may be gone but she has left behind a huge impact on every student she has taught. I pray for peace and comfort for her family during this time of loss. She may be gone but she will never be forgotten. Rest in heavenly peace Mrs Burrows.
I’m still in shock. Mrs. Burrows was a great teacher and she always showed me love. She was always smiling and had her students best interest at heart. She was kind and understanding. I will always remember her and things she taught me in class. I can honestly say I believe she loved her students and I definitely know that she loved Mr. Joe and her family. RIP Mrs. Burrows.
There are not enough words to describe the impact Mrs. Burrows had on me. She was my Fourth Grade teacher at Greeleville Elementary. She made all of us feel seen, valued, and heard. Her goal was to make learning fun and meaningful and I was all in! The imprint she left on me is unexplainable. Her reach was far! I am grateful that I had the opportutnity to let her know every chance I got that I appreciated her. I am who I am as a teacher today mainly because of her. The Fourth Grade girl in me will always be grateful for the teacher who saw me, the teacher who reached beyond the classroom, the teacher who embodied grace. I will love you forever Mrs. Burrows
Praying for Joe and the family. Words cannot ease every hurt, but we hope you feel surrounded by love and support. May God give you strength for each day, comfort in the difficult moments, and peace through the precious memories of your loved one.
Mrs. Debbie,
You were one of the few teachers that made me feel as though you truly cared for my well being and future success. You nutured my artistic ability and exposed my peers and I to possibilities outside of the small bubble that is Williamsburg County. Because of this, I got my academic act together, graduated, went forth to see the world and made something great of my life. I am forever grateful to you for that! I ‘ll always remember dancing with you in class, going on that group art trip, and your kind and encouraging words. Even when we reconnected all those years later, you remained the same, un-jaded person you’ve always been, and to hug you then, feels like it does now, like I’ll see your wonderful face again on the other side. You are loved and you will be missed. Prayers and condolences to everyone affected by this great loss to our community. Fly high, sweet dove…
My heart is broken over the loss of my dear friend Debbie. We worked together many years ago at Greeleyville Elementary, where we both taught fourth grade alongside our dear friend Debra Keels. From the very moment I arrived at GES, Debbie made me feel welcomed and I knew I had found a friend for life. There are simply no words to express how special Debbie was. Her students have said it all. She was not only a wonderful teacher, but an even more wonderful person. She touched so many lives with her kindness, warmth, and love. I will miss her more than words can say. My heart and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. I feel so blessed to have known her and to have called her my friend.
Joe & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Debbie was such a beautiful person inside and out.
She will be missed by all that knew her. I am sure she is your angel watching over you all.
My heart is broken over the loss of my dear friend Debbie. We worked together many years ago at Greenville Elementary where we both taught fourth grade alongside our dear friend Debra Keels. On the very moment I arrived at GES Debbie made me feel welcomed and I knew I had found a friend for life. There are simply no words to express how special Debbie was. Her students have said at all. She was not only a wonderful teacher, but even more wonderful person. She touched so many lives with her kindness, warmth, and love. I will miss her more than words can say. My heart and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. I feel so blessed to have known her and to have called her my friend.
Sadden by her passing, but so grateful to have had Mrs. Burrows as my art teacher. Her class was my outlet and an outlet for many. She always spoke softly and smiled beautifully which was a huge reflection of her heart. We will miss you dearly. Rest well