Debra grew up in a family of four in East Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from East Detroit High School. After graduation she attended Macomb Community College. In 1983 she met her husband Donald and in 1984 they were married. They have two boys, Brian and Brendan.

She began her employment at Immanuel in 1996 when she was asked to be Handbell Director. She still continues in that position and currently has expanded the handbell program to involve 60 students in four different choirs. In March 2000 she took a position as part-time church secretary and in December went to full-time and continues to serve Pastor Paul and Dr. Gary in that capacity. In September 2000, she also took on the position of Director of Children's Music.

When not at work she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, doing crafts, going up north, and snowmobiling.