Debra E. Jackson was born in Sylvester, Georgia on February 19, 1961, to the late Fannie Sue Jackson and Felton Cuffie.  After the untimely death of her mother, she was eagerly provided a loving and caring home by Johnnie Whearry Wise ("Gran"), when she was twelve years old.

She received her primary and secondary education in the Worth County School System, graduating from Worth County High School in 1980.  Debra was a very considerate, attentive young lady with a yearning to be of service and help others.  She attended Albany Junior College and earned an associate degree in Social Work.

Very early in life, Debra began her Christian journey with the Lord.  She was a faithful member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church where she availed herself in service to both the Outreach and Women's Ministries.  She dearly loved the Lord and remained spiritually strong throughout life's journey.

Debra was beautiful from the inside out and had a genuine care, concern, and calling to serve others.  From a child, she was a "protector"—considerate and bubbly, yet assertive.  These attributes served as a catalyst to her true calling and life-long career as a family service worker.  For almost 30 years, she was employed at Headstart  where she touched the lives of innumerable children and their families.  Debra had a deep love for children and was relentless in guiding, inspiring, nurturing, and encouraging students through the years.  There is no student whose life she touched that doesn't remember her with enormous love, affection, and respect.  She was a second mother to virtually everyone.

An exceptionally kind-hearted individual, Debra will be remembered for many things by those who knew her, including her sweet nature, concern for all mankind, and a smile that would light up a room.  She believed deeply in unconditional love and stood ready to help anyone in need—always with a smile and never asking anything in return.  She was blessed to have many cherished friends and family with whom she created strong connections that helped her spirit shine throughout her life.  Her presence will be deeply missed.

On August 20, 2022, Debra transitioned from this earthly life to eternal peace and rest with the Lord.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by seven siblings, Robert, Annette, Alvera, Jackqulin, Karon, John, and Samuel.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by her children, Melvin (Tenisha), Michael, Octavius, Randisha, and Phillip; siblings, Joseph Jr., Calvin, Ruby, Marilyn, Fredrick, Thomas, Lisa, Dorothy, Laverne, Beverly, Sharon, Abbygale, Thomas, Cedric, and Rasheda; 13 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.