Debra Sue Miller

Debra Sue (Garstka) Miller passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on October 30, 2021, in Frisco, TX at the age of 57. Born July 21, 1964, in Warner Robins, Georgia, Debra was the daughter of Susan (Ackley) Garstka and Earl Joseph Garstka, MSG, USAF (Ret.).

Debra grew up a patriot loving her country. She was an Air Force kid (with both parents serving), a Gold Star Navy sister, and an Army Veteran’s spouse. Growing up, Debra loved being outside in the mud and dirt, making friends with every kid in the neighborhood, and enjoying family time with her brothers, Alan and David, and her parents. Living in San Antonio during high school, Debra enjoyed modeling, karate, getting ahead in her studies, singing in her church choir, dancing as a member of the John Jay High School Fillies, and spending time with all or her friends from school and church.

Debra was the first person in her family to graduate from college earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Master of Science in Business Communications from Amberton University. She encouraged everyone close to her to continue their education.

Debra met the love of her life, John, in 2001 and they married on July 31, 2004. Debra gained 2 stepdaughters, Laura and Katherine, and loved them as if they were her own children. She encouraged them to follow their dreams and strived to be at every concert, school event, and track meet when they were growing up. Debra quickly became an Aggie by marriage and embraced all things maroon and Texas A&M (she even participated on the field at Yell Practice and attended Fish Camp with Laura’s Camp Miller to be officially inducted to the Aggie family!)

Debra had a HUGE place in her heart for dogs. She adored all the dogs in her family, and many times encountered strays and helped reunite them to their families or a safe place. She was truly the best dog whisperer. Nobody understood dogs more than Debra did!

Debra was an explorer. Her love for traveling started at a young age when her father’s Air Force service led them around the world including living in Germany and Japan. She traveled with friends and family to over 12 countries and almost every state including Alaska and Hawaii. Debra was always dreaming big and planning her next adventure and squeezed in many fun and educational experiences to make the most out of every trip.

Debra worked many jobs as a bank officer, corporate event planner, telecom executive, and traveling consultant before starting her own web development and marketing company, Creevo, with her brother, David. Most recently, Debra was volunteering as the President of the Frisco Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary 8273, where she tirelessly served veterans and their families of the Frisco community by putting on events, service projects, fundraising, and stirring up new ideas to help veterans in the community.

Debra had many hobbies and followed in her father’s footsteps of being a jack-of-many-trades, but her biggest hobby was helping others. Debra spent much of her time coaching others to further their careers and better their lives by writing or updating resumes, sending job recommendations, and just checking on them in their journeys. She was always pushing her loved ones to be their best selves.

Debra always put others first, and deeply cared about her people whether you were family or “framily”. You could always catch Debra capturing memories behind a camera lens at every Garstka family hangout, community events, kids’ extracurriculars, and just daily life. She wanted to make sure all the happy moments were secured for all to look back on later. Debra was truly a selfless servant. She served the Lord, her family, her friends, and her community. Debra was a Christian who was strong in her Faith and let Christ’s love shine through her relationships with others.

Debra is cherished by many people (and dogs!) and she will certainly be missed by all. Heaven sure receives some beautiful people. Love is eternal, and we will love Debra forever.

Debra is preceded in death by her brother Alan Garstka; father Earl Garstka, MSG, USAF (Ret.); and all her pups she so dearly loved. Debra is survived by husband John Q. Miller of Frisco, TX; stepdaughters Laura Miller of Dickinson, TX and Katherine Miller of Philadelphia, PA; mother Susan Garstka of McKinney, TX; brother David Garstka of Allen, TX and dozens of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorial service - a celebration of Debra’s life will take place on Friday, November 12, 2021 - 2 p.m., Stonebriar Funeral Home, 10375 Preston Road, Frisco, TX 75035

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Frisco Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary 8273, Debra was a Life Member and current President of the Frisco Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary 8273, and your donation will allow her to continue serving veterans and their famines from Heaven.

Please use the link below to make a donation in Debra Garstka Miller’s name

Or mail via check [memo- Debra Miller]

Frisco VFW Auxiliary 8273

P.O. Box 2848

Frisco, TX 75034

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stonebriarfh.com for the Miller family.