Debbie Kilpatrick (Thornton), 70, of Pensacola, FL, passed away Saturday, May 27, 2023, and joined her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in her heavenly home.

Debbie was born in Enterprise, AL on November 20, 1952, to Charles and Fran Kilpatrick. The family moved to Pensacola in 1954 and settled in Warrington.

Debbie had many talents, one of which was playing the piano by ear. Fran sent her at the age of 6 to take piano lessons. After the lesson, the teacher called to say Debbie should develop her talent on her own. Just let her play. Debbie could play any song on the radio after hearing it one time. Singing was always a big part of life at the Kilpatrick home. Charlyne, Debbie, and Kay loved to work up songs and put on shows for Fran, Charlie, and their friends. When Pensacola Christian School opened on Avery Street, Fran and Charlie enrolled the girls and they were put in the chorus right away. Great training for what was to come. In 1964, Charlyne and Debbie transferred to Warrington Junior High and joined the Glee Club where they met Sally Hirst. After school, Sally and Char would sing and harmonize with Debbie as she played the popular songs she heard on the radio on the family's upright piano. That led to the birth of their group, The Sandpipers and the girls would play fashion shows for Fran and a local disc jockey, Tom Smith, got them some gigs that led to clubs, and ultimately New York and cutting a hit single, "It's All Over But The Crying". Debbie's lead vocals were unique and strong. Debbie and her voice were very special. Those were carefree and fun times for the Sandpipers and all their friends and fans. Sally left the group and sister Kay joined and the Sandpipers became the Daisy's. In the 70's Debbie would front a band at a local club called The Gold Nugget in downtown Pensacola on the corner of Garden and Alcaniz. Groups come and go, but Debbie's love for music never did.

Debbie spent her life her way. She loved the unlovable and would rather be giving and helping rather than receiving. She was a woman of faith who loved God and loved her family dearly. She will be missed.

Debbie is preceded in death by her father, Charles Kilpatrick; her stepmom, Sue Kilpatrick; and her beloved husband, Louie Boyleston, as well as her grandparents, uncles, and cousins.

Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Fran Thornton, sisters, Charlyne Kilpatrick, and Kay Richey (James) and nephews, Barry Pate, Jr. (Nikki) and Michael Daley Caudle along with aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Visitation will begin at 5:00pm until the Memorial Service at 6:00pm, Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at Harper – Morris Memorial Chapel.

The family would like to send a special, heartfelt thank you to the many caring and comforting professionals and residents at Bayside Health and Rehab and Covenant Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Covenant Hospice, 5041 N. 12th Ave., Pensacola, FL 32504, or the Charity of your choice.