Deborah Mae Hignite James, age 68, of Dawn Drive, Morehead, passed away at her home on Sunday, June 25, 2017. Born December 23, 1948, in Olive Hill, she was the daughter of Hobert and Edith Maddix Hignite. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Glendall Ray Hignite. Debbie is survived by her husband of 50 years, Raymond Eugene James; one son, David Ray James and his wife Karen of Owingsville; one daughter, Melissa Wilburn and her husband Chuck of Morehead; five grandchildren, Heather Cecil of Morehead, Hannah Baker of Lexington, Tanner Whitton of Owingsville, Brad Wilburn of Lexington and Aaron Wilburn of Lexington; two great-grandchildren, Sydney Cecil and Sylas Cecil of Morehead. Other survivors include three brothers, Jackie Hignite of Mansfield, Ohio, Hobert Hignite Jr. and his wife Judy of Olive Hill, and J. D. Hignite and his wife Patty of Olive Hill; four sisters, Doris Collingsworth of Ashland, Donna Jean Gee and her husband Tommie of Mt. Sterling, Ronda Fultz and her husband Jesse of Portage, Indiana, and Connie Ingold and her husband John of Bardstown. Before becoming ill, Debbie was employed at Saint Claire Regional Medical Center for 23 years where she proudly enjoyed her work with the environmental services staff. She also greatly enjoyed spending time with family and friends, but especially her great-grandchildren. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, she will always be lovingly remembered. A celebration of life will be conducted 2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Pastor Greg Hignite and Brother Joe Cline officiating. Burial will follow at the Garvin Ridge Cemetery in Carter County. Visitation is from noon until 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead.