Debra Harris-Phelps

Debra Maxine Harris-Phelps was born December 2, 1960, in Quitman, Mississippi, as the firstborn child to Voncille Harris and Albert Harris, Jr. (deceased). Just two years after her birth, in 1962, the Harris family moved to Indianapolis, Indiana. After moving to Indianapolis, the Harris Family expanded to include Debra’s three siblings: Albert A. Harris; Tavonna S. Harris Askew; and Darrian C. Harris. The Harris family embraced Christianity, and Debra accepted Christ at an early age. Debra was baptized as a member of Freedom Temple C.O.G.I.C., the church where her mother was a founding member and trustee.

Debra received her formal education in Indianapolis Public Schools. From an early age, it was apparent that Debra was an exceptional student, and she developed a love for education. Debra graduated from high school in 1979. She then attended Marian College (now Marian University) where she was a member of Kappa Gamma Pi honor society. She graduated in 1983 with a Bachelor of the Arts degree in English, and for many years following Debra continued to further her education by obtaining additional certifications. Debra began her teaching career at Camp Atterbury. After Camp Atterbury Debra began teaching English and History in Indianapolis Public Schools where she dedicated almost thirty years of her career until she retired in 2013. Debra was a dedicated teacher, and she loved her students. She was very active in the school community and served as an Indianapolis Education Association Representative for Thomas Carr Howe high school from 1999 - 2011. In addition, Debra led a variety of school programs and clubs. Towards the end of her teaching career, Debra served as the lead Prom sponsor where she had a chance to share her joy of event planning and dancing with students.

More than 36 years ago Debra’s friends invited her out to Pearl’s Lounge, and after initially declining, Debra agreed to go out. It was that night that she met her husband Earlie B. Phelps. Since that evening Debra and Earlie were inseparable. After several conversations with Debra’s father, her father told Earlie confidently, “I believe you will be my son-in-law one day.” Earlie enthusiastically agreed. Well, they were right. After a 10-year courtship, on May 18, 1996, Debra and Earlie were united in holy matrimony at Freedom Temple, where Debra had been faithful member. Upon her death, she was a member of Spirit of Truth Church.

Debra’s commitment to her marriage was evident through the love she demonstrated for her husband Earlie. Debra and Earlie loved, supported and cared for one another more than 36 years, 26 of which were spent in marital bliss as husband and wife. They spent as much time together as they could. Whether traveling; spending time with friends and family; or having movie marathons at home, they truly enjoyed one another’s love and company. Debra and Earlie both shared a love for music, and music always filled their lives. If you were lucky, you may have caught them singing together; a beautiful treat indeed. They often told stories and shared memories of their family. Together they were love personified, and a true example of what a good marriage should be.

Debra had an unwavering commitment to her family. She was the ideal wife, daughter, sister and aunt. When her father passed away over thirty years ago, Debra stepped up and partnered with their mother to help take care of her 2 youngest siblings; and continued to guide and support them throughout their adult life. After retirement and until the pandemic hit, Debra spent her afternoons tutoring and caring for her nieces Kennedy Askew, Debra’s namesake, and Chandler Askew at the end of their school day. The three of them shared a very special bond. This bond however was not just unique to these two nieces. She had a special place in the heart of all her nieces and nephews.

Cooking was the medium through which Debra often showed her love for family and friends. There was never a holiday when Debra was not in the kitchen. Earlie loved Debra’s home cooked meals, and especially her brownies. Debra’s punchbowl cake, strawberry cake and chocolate cake were the favorites of her nieces and nephews. But it was Debra’s pecan pie and sugar cream pie that was the favorite for her siblings. No Thanksgiving would be complete without the cornbread dressing she always made with her mother. In addition to her family, Debra’s friends, neighbors, colleagues and caregivers enjoyed the delectable treats Debra prepared as a means to say, “I love you”. Debra’s cooking was a blessing to all.

In addition, Debra was a protector with a giving heart. Debra had this special ability to take care of everyone. If you needed it, she got it for you or helped you figure out a way to get it. In 2012, Debra was diagnosed with breast cancer and end stage renal failure, but that did not slow her down. Instead, Debra threw her heart into supporting others. In support of the many other cancer fighters and survivors, Debra attended and financially supported Breast Cancer events, including the Indianapolis Colts recognition of breast cancer survivors and the fundraiser fashion shows for the Pink Ribbon connection, in which she also served as a model. Debra truly had a philanthropic heart.

Debra was preceded in death by her father Albert Harris, Jr. (04/12/1989); paternal grandparents: Al-bert Harris, Sr. (09/06/1983) and Annie Mae Harris (01/21/1959), and maternal grandparents: John Kenneth McLaughlin (08/28/1974) and Doreatha Hamilton (12/29/2000).

Debra leaves to cherish her memory and continue her legacy, her loving husband Earlie B. Phelps; her mother, Voncille Harris; her two brothers, Albert A. Harris and Darrian C. Harris; her sister Tavonna S. (Charles) Harris Askew; her godbrother Lonnie McKenzie; her sisters in love, Brenda Reed and Ivy (Mike) Watson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles, as well as many close friends and colleagues.