Debra Evans Szafran

In Proverbs 3:27-28 we read, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back later: I’ll give it tomorrow”- when you now have it with you.” Giving came naturally to Debra Kay Evans Szafran, age 58. She passed away on November 25, 2015 after her second battle with cancer. A memorial mass to celebrate her life will be at 1 PM, Thursday, December 3 at St. Pius X Catholic Church. The family will receive friends beginning at 12 noon at the church prior to the service.

Debbie was born in Springfield Massachusetts to Rex and Carol Fielder Evans who survive and live in Dadeville, AL. She worked as a Marketing Director in the real estate industry and also in the travel industry which ignited her passion for traveling especially in Europe. In 1975, she met her husband Bruce in Japan and during his military and civilian careers they had the opportunity to live in several places throughout the world. In 1983, she won the fight with cancer by faith and the will to live for her family. Her victory over cancer deepened her Christian devotion and faith in God. Through that experience so many people have been blessed by her generosity, kind spirit and eagerness to give. Debbie loved to serve others and never asked how long it would take or who else was going to be there. The organizations in which she served are too numerous to mention but giving back to her community was paramount after family. Her granddaughter was the sunshine in her life and she adored Mabry. And Mabry adored her Mimi. As a mother, she was supportive and loving and set the standards high without exception. Others knew they could go to Debbie and just talk through issues, not so she would solve their problems but that she would just listen and that special quality endeared her to others. The word “angel” has been heard several times to describe Debbie. Christmas was a special time of year and Debbie loved to visit the neighborhoods to see the lights. She joked as she had to look fast due to Bruce’s driving! Debbie was an excellent cook and loved to share cooking shows with Mabry.

She is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Bruce Szafran of Greensboro; son B.J. Szafran and his wife Sara, who Debbie loved as her own daughter; granddaughter, Mabry of Greensboro, her parents; sister, Terri Conway and husband Del of Dadeville, AL and their family; and mother-in-law, Hazel Szafran of Hudson, NY; brothers-in-law, Paul Szafran of Tarpon Springs, FL and Ricky Szafran and wife Lisa of Huntersville, NC; and sister in law, Lynn Szafran of Hudson, NY. She is preceded in death by her father-in-law, Paul Szafran and sister-in-law, Lorraine Szafran.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking that attendees to the mass bring a non-perishable food item for the church’s food collection program or that an unwrapped toy be brought to the reception after the service at B.J. and Sara’s home at 404 Rockford Rd., Greensboro, 27408. The toys will be donated to Toys for Tots. Online condolences may be made to www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.