Debra Ann Epperley

Debra Ann Epperley, age 68, passed away peacefully at her home with her family close by on September 1, 2020. She was born May 12, 1952, in Holdenville, Oklahoma, to Mary Gwendolyn English. Debra married her high school sweetheart Hal Denny Epperley in June of 1970.

Debra was preceded in death by her husband of over 43 years, Hal; her mother, Gwen English; father-in-law and mother-in-law Bill and Norma Jean Epperley; and grandparents Earl and Bearl Roberts.

Debra is survived by her sons Shane Epperley (Carol) of Holdenville and Chad Epperley (Kim) of Oklahoma City; grandchildren Colby Scroggins of Tulsa, Travis Scroggins (Bonnie) of Norman, Chelsea Epperley, Ryann Epperley, and Wyatt Epperley all of Oklahoma City; a great-grandson Kaden Smith of Oklahoma City; her sister and best friend, Donna Holliman (Gene) of Holdenville; as well as nephews and a niece who loved her deeply, in addition to many extended family members who she held close in heart.

Debra was very close to her family and found great joy in her grandchildren and great grandson. She was a 1970 graduate of Holdenville High School and was a proud twirler for the Wolverine band. She was also an avid Oklahoma Sooner and Chicago Cubs fan. Debra was loved by all and even her grandchildren’s teammates lovingly called her Nana. Debra enjoyed participating in water aerobics and was always eager to instruct the classes when asked. She enjoyed being outdoors and was often found on her front porch watching deer and hummingbirds.

Debra worked for many years for the State of Oklahoma with the Department of Human Services. She retired early due to a disability with her back. She suffered from scoliosis and had a titanium rod put in her back to try to help correct her curve. She never let her scoliosis control her, however, as she even twirled fire with her brace on when she was in high school.

Debra is fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. One friend wrote as a tribute to Debra that it did not matter who you were, rich or poor, or what color your skin was, she was a friend to all. Debra was truly a joyful person whose smile would light up a room. She is already greatly missed, but her family and those who knew her best are confident that she is right where she longed to be as she is reunited with the one and only love of her life, Hal, and her mom.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that monetary donations be made in memory of Debra to the Holdenville Alumni Association, P.O. Box 133, Holdenville, OK 74848, or to the Calvary Baptist Church, 622 S. Hinckley, Holdenville, OK 74848.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, a family-only memorial service will be held at the Calvary Baptist Church in Holdenville on September 19, 2020, with Danny Frazee officiating. The family asks that you please continue to post your memories and photos of Debra on her Facebook page so that her friends and family can share in the celebration of her life.