Debra was born on November 17, 1950, in Indianapolis, Indiana to Robert and Marjorie (née Roempke) Overton. She spent her childhood growing up in Indianapolis, Indiana as well as Columbus, Ohio. After high school, Debra went on to attend Missouri Valley College and St. Louis University before making Michigan her home.
With a compassionate heart and a desire to help others, Debra earned her degree in social work and dedicated many years of service to the State of Michigan, working in health services until her retirement around the age of 62. Throughout her career, she touched countless lives through her kindness, empathy, and commitment to caring for others.
Outside of work, Debra embraced life with a spirit of adventure. In her younger years, she loved to travel, visiting destinations including Aruba and Alaska. She was especially captivated by Alaska's breathtaking scenery and peaceful lakes, and the memories she made there remained among her favorites. She was also a certified scuba diver, always eager to explore the beauty of the world both above and below the water's surface.
Music was another of Debra's great joys, and she especially loved the songs of John Denver, whose music often reflected her appreciation for nature. She was also an avid dog and cat lover. In retirement, she found great fulfillment volunteering at local nursing homes alongside her beloved dog, Toby, bringing smiles to residents through their visits.
Above all else, Debra treasured her family. She was a devoted and loving mother, a proud grandmother, and a cherished great-grandmother.
Debra is survived by her loving daughters, Dana (John) Lubinski and Kristina (Rodney) Bugg; her grandchildren, Stephanie (Tad) Reiner, Kassandera Love, Devon Bugg, Jakob Bugg, Celenna Markou, Kailynn Bugg, and Makenzie Lubinski; and great-grandchildren, Willow McPherson, Zeth McPherson, Wolfgang Reiner, and Alice Reiner. She is also survived by her sister, Pamela (John) Sanders, and by her nephew, Nicholas (Amy) Sanders, as well as his children, Robert Sanders and Taylor Sanders. Debra also leaves behind her cat, Ajax.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Marjorie Overton.
Visitation for Debra will be held from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Friday, July 31, 2026 at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038.
