Debra Sue Speer

Our mom was truly a force of nature when it came to the people she loved. There was never a moment of doubt about where her heart belonged. Her family always came first, and she devoted her life to making sure each of us felt loved, supported, protected, and cherished. Her love was unwavering, her presence comforting, and her strength remarkable.

She was the kind of person who made everyone around her feel seen and valued. Her kindness was endless, her generosity knew no bounds, and her warmth had a way of making any place feel like home. She celebrated our successes, carried us through our struggles, and stood beside us through every season of life. No matter what challenges came our way, we knew we could always count on her love and encouragement.

Mom taught us lessons that will stay with us forever. She showed us what it means to be courageous in the face of adversity, loving even when it was difficult, thoughtful in our words and actions, and hardworking in everything we do. Through her example, she taught us not just how to live, but how to live well—with compassion, integrity, and grace.

She wore many titles throughout her life, and she carried each one with pride and purpose. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished Gee, a beloved sister and daughter, a loyal friend, an inspiring educator, and a trusted mentor. In every role she filled, she gave her whole heart. Her influence extended far beyond her family, touching countless lives and leaving a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Though words can never fully capture who she was or how much she meant to us, we find comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on in each of us. We see her in the values she instilled, the traditions she created, the love she shared, and the countless memories we hold dear.

Mom, thank you for every sacrifice, every lesson, every hug, every word of encouragement, and every act of love. Thank you for showing us what unconditional love looks like. We are who we are because of you.

You were our greatest blessing, our safest place, and our guiding light. We will love you always, miss you beyond measure, and carry your spirit with us for the rest of our lives. Your love was the foundation of our family, and that love will remain with us forever.

Debra Sue (Donnell) Speer, of Scurry, Texas (formally of Crandall) passed away surrounded by family in Plano, Texas on June 17, 2026, at the age of 68. Born on December 12, 1957, in Dallas, Texas to Bruce Donnell and Colleen Gooch. She was the youngest of three siblings. In later years, she became a big sister to her half brother, Jeff Donnell.

Debra Sue graduated from Skyline High School in 1975. She went to Eastfield College for two years and later attended the University of North Texas, where she was a member of the Alpha Phi’s Gamma Eta chapter. In 1979 she graduated with her Bachelors in Education with an emphasis in Speech Language Pathology. Upon graduation, Debbie worked at the Lake Ray Hubbard Co-Op in Forney; serving Crandall and Scurry ISD. She later went to graduate school at East Texas State University where she obtained her Masters in Education. While receiving her graduate degree, she was a speech and special education teacher as well as the Drill Team Director in Crandall ISD. During her 13 years of serving the students at CISD, Debbie received her Educational Diagnostician Certification. She ventured out to Dallas where she worked one year at the Dallas Center for Developmentally Disabled. There, Debbie was recruited to work for Dallas ISD. While at DISD, she worked as the behavior teacher, and then later diagnostician serving the students at Molina High School, Bethune Elementary, South Oak Cliff High School, Seagoville Elementary, Central Elementary, Ebby Halliday Elementary, Seagoville North Elementary, and Richard Lagow Elementary, to name a few.

On July 7, 1979 she married her college sweetheart; Michael whom she has been married to for 47 years. From their union, came their two daughters; Torrie and Taylor who have since followed in their mother’s footsteps and developed a passion for education.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce Donnell and Leonard & Colleen Patton. As well as her in-laws Louis and Joan Speer.

Her memory will be forever kept alive by her loving family. She is survived by her husband, Michael. Two devoted daughters, Torrie Deville (and her husband Bo) and Taylor Bernhagen (and her husband Ricky). Three grandchildren who were her absolute pride and joy; Braxton Deville and Tatum & Reese Bernhagen. As well as her step-mother, Mary Lou Donnell.

Others left to cherish her memories include her three siblings, their families, nieces & nephews, their families, and a host of friends and former students who loved her. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her caretaker, Leanna “Lee-Na” McGee.

A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 10:00 with a viewing scheduled for Thursday, June 25th from 6-8 at Roselawn Funeral Home 1000 S Hwy 175, Seagoville, TX 75159.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly request that memorial donations be made to the Kaufman ISD Education Foundation, where a scholarship honoring her memory will be established to support future generations of Kaufman ISD students. Donations may be mailed or delivered to:

Kaufman ISD Education Foundation

1000 S. Houston Street

Kaufman, TX 75142

Memorial gifts may also be made online using the link provided. https://checkout.square.site/merchant/ML92RKTJSTTWY/checkout/STOGENRVUP7XFI6VM6JG3SW5