Deborah Gail Ferguson Littlejohn

Deborah Gail Ferguson Littlejohn, age 68, a resident of Columbia, passed away on May 1, 2026, at her residence.

A graveside service will be conducted on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 2:30 PM at Rose Hill Cemetery, with Jimmy Fann officiating. The family will visit with friends on Tuesday from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Online condolences may be extended at www.oakesandnichols.com

Born December 30, 1957 in Columbia, Tennessee, Deborah was the daughter of the late Nora Mae Tipton. She spent 34 years with the love of her life, Kenneth Gowan. Deborah was a dedicated nurse technician with Behavioral Healthcare, where she found great fulfillment in caring for her patients.

In her free time, she enjoyed diamond painting, crocheting, and spending time with her beloved dog, Boomer, and her cat, Frankie. Deborah loved visiting the beach and was known for her playful spirit, often playing jokes on her family. She was a faithful follower of Christ.

She is survived by her significant other, Kenneth Gowan; children, Machelle (Marc) Kessler, Angela (Mike Harris) Batts, Christy Littlejohn, Kendall Gowan, and Brandon Gowan; grandchildren, Anthony Kessler, Andrew Kessler, Kayla Harris, Amber Harris, Keelan Littlejohn, Demarcus Marlow, Derrian Marlow, and Kylie Matthews; great-grandchild, Vivian Kessler; sister, Paula (Dean) Colsen; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her mother, Deborah is preceded in death by her grandmother, Clara P. Ferguson.

Pallbearers will be Keelan Littlejohn, Demarcus Marlow, Derrian Marlow, Brandon Gowan, Marc Kessler, and Mike Harris.