Debra Ann Austin

Debra Ann Longley Austin peacefully passed away in her home on August 31, 2025 after a long battle with cancer. A native Las Vegan, she was born on March 3,1958 and attended John S. Park, John C. Fremont, and Las Vegas High. Apart from Las Vegas, Dallas, Texas was the only other place Debbie called home. There, she obtained her undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University and more importantly, met the love of her life, Dow.

After an early career in business, Debbie decided that a life of serving others was her true passion and calling. After returning to Las Vegas, she worked variously as a patient services coordinator with Muscular Dystrophy Association, First Grade Teacher at Lummis Elementary (after obtaining her Master’s Degree at UNLV), and finally with Spread the Word Nevada, an organization dedicated to childhood reading and literacy. Her volunteering stints are too numerous to list, as are the small acts of kindness and charity she bestowed on everyone who crossed her path.

The warmth Debbie showed to strangers echoed the deep and unabiding love she showed her friends and family. Before and after retirement, from the time she was a little girl to the time she died, Debbie prioritized and loved more than anything quality time with her family and friends. She loved everything from board games to travelling (Pictionary and Hawaii in particular!) and summer family trips were the norm, often with extended family and/or friends.

Debbie leaves behind not only heartbroken family and friends, but also the immense joy and happiness that she brought to so many people. She hopes you will remember her and smile! She is survived by her husband of 45 years Dow, son Ryan (Archana), daughter Janae (Hunter), sister Susan (Tom), sister Julie, granddog Albus, and adored grandson Jack, along with many cousins, nephews and nieces. She is preceded in death by her father Ted, mother Virginia, and infant sister Cynthia, all of whom she was excited to see again in heaven. A private gathering will be held, and In lieu of flowers, please donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities