After graduating from Virginia Tech, Debbie moved to Memphis in 1983 and worked for almost 40 years at FedEx, where she met her husband, Darren. Debbie made a name for herself there with her sharp mind, inquisitive nature, and willingness to mentor and teach others. She loved hosting annual department parties, coming up with new ways to decorate the office for holidays, and keeping a candy bowl stocked to encourage others to stop in and say hello.
In her personal life, Debbie was known for her willingness to step in and help others, whether that was through sewing curtains for friends and family, baking for the Germantown football team, finding new recipes, teaching her children’s friends about finances, or just as a loving listener for others. Through her generosity and kindness, she touched many lives and will be forever missed.
Debbie loved traveling to the Outer Banks of North Carolina each summer, spending time with family, and exploring new cities and restaurants. She enjoyed her date nights with Darren as they took advantage of all the amenities that Memphis has to offer. Debbie had an eye for beautiful things, and spent years practicing her sewing and cross stitching, collecting spindles and purple seashells, baking, gardening, and decorating her home.
Debbie is survived by her husband of 36 years Darren, son Kyle (Brooke), daughter Halley, mother Ellen, father Richard (Arlene), sister Kelly (Jeff), brother Kevin (Glenda), and an abundance of nieces and nephews, all of whom loved her dearly.
The visitation honoring Debbie will be held on Thursday, September 22nd from 5-8PM and the memorial service will be on Friday, September 23rd at 10AM. Both will be at the Memphis Funeral Home at 5599 Poplar Avenue in Memphis, TN 38119. In lieu of flowers, Debbie has requested donations be made in her honor to GirlsWhoCode at https://bit.ly/DRS-GWC , the Wolf River Conservancy at https://bit.ly/DRS-WRC, or any literary programs near and dear to your heart.
