Debra Irene Herron Palmer, age 63, passed away peacefully on January 18th, 2022, after a twenty-three year battle with neuroendocrine cancer and multiple myeloma. She was born on December 9th, 1958, in Joplin, Missouri, to Floyd Warren Herron and Jessie Irene McMullen. She also has two lovely sisters Barbara and Shannon to share her childhood with. She met the love of her life, Monty (Buddy) Palmer, in the third grade in Diamond, Missouri, and started dating in the 9th grade. On March 04, 1978, they were married at Reinmiller Church in Joplin, Missouri. They shared an amazing life until her passing. She would later give birth to two amazing sons, Nathan and Jared–born in 1985 and 1989 respectively in Grand Junction, Colorado.
Debra was a truly selfless person that always put others before herself. She spent much of her time thinking about ways to help stray and disadvantaged animals; she made consistent donations to local no-kill animal shelters. Debra loved trying new foods, reading a plethora of genre fiction, and spending time with her family and their pets. She was everyone's confidant—the best listener for which one could ever ask. Debra possessed infinite strength; she was a reliable source of comfort and wisdom when it was needed. She was fearless and it showed in the way she approached life all the way until her passing.
In the early years of her marriage, Debra worked as a Manager of Taco Bell in Grand Junction. She attended and graduated at a vocational school in Victoria, Texas, in 1998 with a Medical Secretary degree and would continue to work as a medical insurance biller. Debra was extremely involved in the Boy Scouts of America. She served as a Cub Scout Master in Hallettsville, Texas, and Dexter, Missouri. She would also go on to assist the local scout troops at this time. Even as her health deteriorated and kept her from working, Debra would still go on helping others well beyond her means. It is safe to say that she has made a positive impact on every community she has been a part of.
Debra is survived by her husband, Monty; her two sons, Nathan and Jared; and her sisters, Barbra Herron Wooley and Shannon Herron Webb. She was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Jessie; grandparents Jessie Harold McMullen, Peggy Irene Gilstrap, Floyd Chester Herron, and Viola Mae Morgan; and cousin Laura Ann McMullen King.
To celebrate the life and legacy of Debra Palmer, please consider adopting, donating, or giving time to help your local no-kill animal shelter. Debra was most passionate about giving animals a chance at a better life; supporting your local no-kill animal shelter or humane society is a great step in honoring her memory.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rollingoaksfuneralhome.com for the PALMER family.
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