Debra Ann “Debbie” Stephenson, 69, of Orange, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, finally finding comfort in the arms of Jesus.
Born on March 3, 1957, in Orange, Debbie proudly made this community her home for her entire life. She attended Stark High School, where she was a member of the Bengal Belles drill team before graduating with the Class of 1975. She later began her professional career at Orange Savings Bank before embracing the role that would become her life’s greatest calling — devoted wife, mother and grandmother.
Debbie’s world revolved around her family. The greatest joys of her life were her beloved husband, Glenn, their daughters, Melissa and Ashley, and her five grandchildren, who call her “NaNa.” She was a loving mother and grandmother whose kindness, warmth and unwavering support shaped the lives of everyone around her. She believed life’s most meaningful moments were found in time spent together, whether celebrating milestones or holidays, preparing meals or simply enjoying one another’s company.
She delighted in life’s simple pleasures and joyful traditions. Debbie loved going to the movies, relaxing at the beach, shopping, attending theater productions and finding any opportunity to create fun memories with her daughters and grandchildren. She was always the first one in attendance at any awards ceremony, sporting event, dance recital, band concert and all other events her family participated in. Her home was a gathering place filled with laughter, love and many home-cooked meals. Throughout the years, Debbie loved to travel and embraced experiences shared with those she loved most. In her younger years, she and Glenn created cherished family memories on snow skiing trips to Colorado, summers to Arkansas and many trips around Texas. Later, summers spent in Destin, Fla. with her teenage daughters became treasured traditions.
Her faith was a guiding force throughout her life. Debbie treasured the friendships she formed through her Sunday School class at North Orange Baptist Church, her involvement in Bible Study Fellowship and her weekly lunch gatherings with dear friends.
Debbie also built a respected and fulfilling career with Little Cypress-Mauriceville CISD. Over the years, she faithfully served students, faculty and families as a valued member of the front office staff at LCI, LCJH and LCM High School before retiring from the district’s Administrative Office in 2018. Her welcoming spirit, dependability and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
In 2020, Debbie began a difficult battle with Alzheimer’s disease, a cruel illness that slowly robbed her of many of the joys she so deeply deserved to enjoy during her golden years.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Glenn Stephenson; her parents, Billy and Johnnie Smith; her sister, Gail Wright; her parents-in-law, John E., Jr. and Helen Stephenson; and her brother-in-law, John E. Stephenson, III.
Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters and sons-in-law, Melissa and Dustin Tilley, and Ashley and Lance Fitts; brother and sister-in-law, Russell and Lana Smith; sister-in-law, Phyllis Stephenson Sulsar; and her treasured grandchildren, Mason, Addison and Everly Fitts, and Peyton and Owen Tilley, along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members who loved her dearly.
Debbie’s legacy is one of unwavering love, deep faith, joyful hospitality and devotion to family. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered by all whose lives were made brighter by her gentle heart and abundant kindness.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Orange.
Visitation will begin prior to the service at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
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