Debra Lynn Hixson

Debbie was born on June 14, 1952, in Lake Charles, Louisiana, as the child of Sanford and Billie Manuel. She was a loving sister to Wayne Manuel, Michael Manuel, and Sandy Malcolm. Debbie attended Baylor University and graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. On July 24, 1971, Debbie married her long-time sweetheart, Harry Milton Hixson, in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

Throughout their life together, Debbie & Milton were active members of First Baptist Church of Lake Charles, Hyde Park Baptist Church, and helped found Austin Baptist Church. Debbie had a servant’s heart and served for many years as a Young Adult Teacher & Leader, Chapel Choir Sponsor, and was the first Children’s Director at Austin Baptist Church.

In addition to her extensive service to the church, Debbie gave her time and talents to her community. She was a member of the Junior League of Lake Charles and of Austin, serving in leadership capacities as A Christmas Affair Merchant Chairman, and chairing the Necessities & Temptations Cookbook Project. She also enjoyed her time of fellowship with friends as a Team Tennis player at Lost Creek Country Club. She expressed her immense creativity and artistic talents through interior design, painting, knitting, making jewelry, and love of music. Debbie’s loved ones enjoyed her cooking, and she was known for cooking the best Cajun food outside of the state of Louisiana.

Although Debbie was a graduate of the University of Houston, her true loyalty was always to Baylor University. She was a proud Baylor mom to all three of her children and held the great honor of being a Baylor Regent wife for nine years. A fervent fan of all Baylor sports, Debbie received great joy from attending, supporting, and tailgating at all types of Baylor events with family and friends at home or away, regardless of the distance.

Debbie is survived by her husband of almost 51 years, Milton Hixson; son Les Hixson and wife Ashley of Austin, Texas; daughter Jana Hixson of Waco, Texas; and son Justin Hixson and wife Laine of Houston, Texas. She leaves behind her four beloved grandchildren, Avery Hixson, Davis Hixson, Eleanor Hixson, and Abigail Hixson; her siblings, brother Wayne Manuel and wife Claire of Slidell, Louisiana; brother Michael Manuel and wife Melodie of Rowlett, Texas; and sister Sandy Malcom and husband David. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Sanford and Billie Manuel.

Debbie’s family wants to express their deep love and admiration for the amazing friend, sister, wife, mother, and Mimi that she was. While Debbie had a tremendous impact on many people throughout her life, her passion was for her family. She has left an indelible mark on all her children and grandchildren. Please join them in celebrating Debbie’s life and legacy by loving Jesus, loving others, serving enthusiastically, and having fun.

A celebration of her life is scheduled for 3:00 PM, Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Austin Baptist Church, 7016 Ribelin Ranch Dr, Austin, Texas 78750. A link to the live stream of the Celebration Service is shown below. This will be live and functioning about 5 minutes before the service starts.

https://boxcast.tv/view/memorial-service-hcecwd6s6jz1jq2feivo

Flowers can be sent to Austin Baptist Church for the celebration or donations made to either the Hixson Family Endowed Fund at Baylor University, Office of University Advancement, One Bear Place #97026, Waco, Texas 76798-7026, Clifton Robinson Tower - Suite 800; or Austin Baptist Church.