Read Debra "Debbie" K Howard's Obituary & Leave Condolences

In memory of

Debra "Debbie" K Howard

Quartz Hill, CA

January 26, 1958 - March 15, 2021

Jan 26, 1958 - Mar 15, 2021

In lieu of flowers

Please consider a donation to Help with Funeral Expenses.

Learn more & give
Help keep everyone in the know by sharing this memorial website.

Share

Photo

Debra Kay Howard, 63, of Lancaster, passed away on March 15, 2021 unexpectedly from an unknown illness.

Debbie was born on January 26th, 1958 to Darrel and Marcia Shiffer in Orlando, FL. After graduating from high school, she married Kenneth (Ken) Howard, her sweetheart of 44 years, in 1976 and had three girls, Stephanie, Bridgette, and Tiffany, whom she loved very much. She later became a Registered Nurse while working, taking care of her family and commuting 1 hour away for school.

After graduation, she began her career at AV hospital in the ICU for many years before moving with her family to Washington, where she assisted her husband in his position as music minister and worked in the Emergency Room. She later continued her nursing career at AV Hospital in the ER when she and her family moved back to the area in 2000. She moved to the Recovery room where she, unfortunately hurt herself and subsequently retired early a few years later.

When Debbie had her first child, she decided to pursue nursing as she was inspired and excited to carry on the legacy of nursing that was her mothers and grandmothers. She began to take classes and worked in various health related jobs. She loved helping people and had what she called, the "art of nursing". When her grandchildren were born, she lit up with a joy and pride as she talked of them and warmed all who heard it. She was immensely proud of her girls and grand-girls and was not afraid to brag about them to all she met. She devoted herself to taking care of her husband and whomever needed her.

Debbie had her share of struggles but never missed an opportunity to open her home to the neighborhood kids, or anyone else, and make them feel welcome. She had the silliest sense of humor and the shrillest whistle that, once heard, could not be mistaken for anyone elses. Her loss is a giant hole in our hearts and we will miss her greatly.

Debbie was greeted in heaven by both her parents and her youngest daughter Tiffany. She is survived by her husband Ken, daughters Stephanie and Bridgette, granddaughters Kianna and Seren, sisters Donna Trembley, Diane Mayo, brother Darrel Shiffer Jr, and numerous nephews, nieces, siblings' spouses and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to funeral expenses and/or to your favorite medical charity in her memory. There will be a graveside funeral service April 20th, 2021 at 1pm at Joshua Cemetery in Lancaster in the Longview area (furthest western section of park on the Ave J-8 side). Please observe all COVID -19 precautions.

Order a beautiful PDF you can print and save or share.

Get the PDF

Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.

Please consider a donation to Help with Funeral Expenses.

$750.00

of $12,000 goal

6 %

Learn more & give