Debra Lee Howard

Debra "Debbi" L. Howard, beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 25, 2023 after a long and courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis. Debbi was preceded by her father, Robert Utter, who went to be with the Lord in 2019. She is survived by her mother, Anne Utter of Midlothian, Virginia; a sister Kathi Eshleman (Robert), also of Midlothian; a brother David Utter (Donna) of St. Louis, MO, and a son, Ryan Howard of Chickamauga, GA. She also is survived by a dear and long-time friend, Linda Cunningham of Midlothian. Born in Cobleskill, NY, on May 23, 1960, Debbi graduated from Twin Valley Christian Academy in Narvon, PA and attended Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina. She worked for several years as a secretary and receptionist. She also was a wonderful nanny who forever endeared herself to the children she cared for and their parents, making a positive impact in their lives which still continues today. Debbi enjoyed homemaking and she was known for her outstanding baking, cake-decorating, artistic ability, and knitting. She loved her family, and enjoyed her cats and dogs, reading, and doing puzzles. She will always be remembered for her compassion, humor, perseverance, and always thinking of others. She was always wanting to let people know of the importance of Jesus in her life. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 29 at 10 a.m. at Parkway Church North Chesterfield, 9700 Castleburg Drive, Richmond, Virginia 23236. The service will be conducted by Pastor Adam Eshleman, Debbi’s nephew. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.