Deborah (Debbie) Diane Neikirk Elam, 72; of Troy, went home to be with the Lord on January 4, 2026 at Miami Valley Hospital. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. She was born on March 29,1953 in Troy, Ohio to the late Carl and Betty (DeWeese) Neikirk.

Along with her parents, Debbie was preceded in death by several aunts, uncles & cousins.

Debbie is survived by her beloved husband of 51yrs, Robert J. Elam, Jr. She was the proud mother of her daughter and son, Kristen (Elam) Farley (husband, Eugene) and Jeffrey Elam (wife, Bridget); her grandchildren, Kristian, Elisha, Andrew, Rodney, Shanteze, Rhodia and Beyoncé; and great-granddaughter, Prosperiti. She is also survived by her brother, Jeff Neikirk; nephews, Ben (wife, Emma & family) & Chad Neikirk; and a host of extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.

In addition to her biological family, Debbie leaves behind a family of the heart whom she cherished as her own. This includes her beloved ‘adopted’ daughter, Amy (Chaney) Prescott (husband, Kelly); ‘adopted’ granddaughter, Jade; ‘adopted’ great-granddaughter, Kiara; ‘adopted’ son, Scott Howe (wife, Crystal and sons Martin and Noah).

As a lifelong resident of Troy she attended Heywood Elementary School, Van Cleve Prep School, and graduated from Troy High School in the class of 1971. She attended Edison State Community College. Debbie’s connection to her hometown schools came full circle as she dedicated many years of her professional life to the Troy City School District, serving as a beloved secretary at both Heywood and the Van Cleve 6th grade building. In her own words, though, she says, “I have been on many committees and boards, held several leadership positions, done many things, gone many places, and made many decisions. None of that really matters.”

At the center of Debbie’s life, was her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. And as she said, “What does matter, is the most important decision I have ever made. That decision was accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. Being saved and filled with the Holy Spirit is the best gift I have ever received. My journey with Jesus has been the most incredible journey I could have ever taken. My personal relationship with Jesus meant everything to me.” It was through this spirit of love that she shared many beautiful years of marriage with her husband, Robert. Their union was a testament to devotion and love, providing a strong and steady example of faith and family to all who knew them. She was also a shining example of what it means to be a wife, a mother, a grandmother and a friend.

A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 12:00pm at the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, 1624 N. County Rd. 25A, Troy, Ohio. The family will receive friends during a visitation held at the church from 10:00am - 12:00pm, prior to the service. Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Troy. Arrangements entrusted to Fisher-Cheney Funeral Home, Troy. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fishercheneyfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Debbie’s honor to the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, Troy.