Debra Lord-Sermon

Debra graduated from Waterford High School in 1972. She went on to use her creative talents as a floral designer, which she pursed for more than 25 years. In 1977, Debra married James Darling and had one daughter, Lauren DeFrancesco. Debra later married George Sermon in 2004, after many years of friendship.

Debra is survived by her husband George Sermon and her daughter Lauren DeFrancesco (son-in-law Mark DeFrancesco) and three granddaughters whom she adored (Gianna DeFrancesco, Milani DeFrancesco, and Gemma DeFrancesco) of Guilford. In addition, she is survived by three siblings, Barbara Callahan of Raleigh, NC, Richard Lord of Waterford, and Steven Lord of East Lyme. She is predeceased by Clayton Lord of Elizabethtown, KY, Robert Lord of Seminole, FL, and Ronald Lord of CT.

Debra was a woman of many interests. From her travels to her daily life—art and nature were always at the center of things. In her years spent in Florida and New Hampshire, she enjoyed hiking and kayaking. She loved exploring the rivers and lakes of Maine and found special joy in adventure rides—often in Rhode Island. She always seemed to find a peaceful destination in nature. Artistically, Debra had a knack for pen and ink drawings. She found special inspiration in sketching local buildings. She also wrote and illustrated a children’s book in recent years. Debra was a true minimalist who could bring out beauty in the simplest ways.

Services will be held at Central Baptist Church, 16 Elm Street, Westerly, RI on January 7, 2023 at 11am. A Celebration of Life will be held immediately following at the church. There will not be calling hours.