Obituary: Marsha Debra Gold

Marsha Debra (Debbie) Gold, born on June 1, 1955, in Atlanta, Ga., passed into heaven on July 28, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Irene Gold.

Debbie was a shining light in the lives of all that had the privilege of knowing her. Her passing has left a hole in the hearts of her family, and the many associates and friends that had the privilege of knowing and working with.

Debbie is survived by her sister, Linda Buford, and brother, Martin Gold, brother-in-law, David Buford, and sister-in-law, Missy Gold. Debbie leaves behind cousins, Barbara Kaminsky, Wayne Kaminsky, nieces, Jennifer Orrison (Daniel Orrison), Marisa Byard (Philip Byard), nephews, Randy Gold (Caroline Gold), Jeffrey Gold (Marla Gold), great-nephews, Nat Gold, Liam Byard, and Caiden Orrison, great-nieces, Sydney Gold, Eden Gold, Shai Gold, Clara Byard, and Molly Orrison.

Debbie attended Northside High School, University of Georgia, and received her law degree in family law from Georgia State. She practiced family law for many years and served as a guardian ad litem in later years. In 2000, she took a sabbatical from law and moved to Barcelona, Spain, for four years, and gave tours to American tourists. She loved Barcelona and went back each year to visit. She had many friends there.

After returning to Atlanta, she became a guardian ad litem. She was greatly respected by her peers, and in March 2024, was awarded The Hon. Clarance F. Seeliger Phoenix Award for her outstanding work in the fight for protection, dignity, and justice for survivors of domestic violence. She met with the Bar Association of Barcelona and started a program, The Joint Family Law Conference and Networking Exchange, where for the past three years, Atlanta family law judges and attorneys went to Barcelona and conferenced with their judges and attorneys. They were able to earn CLR credits also.  Last year was her largest with over fifty attendees from Atlanta. She was planning a fourth trip this October when she fell ill.

A memorial for family and friends was held at Ahavath Achim Synagogue in Atlanta on Sunday, Aug. 3, at 11 a.m. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.