Debra "Debbie" Lynn Brown

Debra Lynn (Debbie) Brown, age 69, of Hamilton, Ohio, walked confidently into the arms of Jesus in the early morning hours of January 8, 2026. Never could there be someone more jubilant in receiving her eternal healing and being surrounded by God’s peace, love, and light.

Debbie was born in Hamilton, Ohio, March 6, 1956, to Darrell G. Brown, Sr., and Bonnie (Sheriff) Brown, who both predeceased her. Being the only girl, Debbie (“Missy” to mom) held a special place in the family’s heart. She embraced her role of trying to be the best daughter, sister, aunt, and great-aunt possible. Debbie has three devoted brothers: Darrell Jr. (Karen); Douglas (Angie); and Dr. Drew (Carrie) Brown. Aunt Debbie (Deb Deb) was adored by her nieces and nephews – “her kids” – Lindsey (David) Short; Todd (Nicki) Brown; Sarah (Travis) Collins; April (Chris) Powell; Rob Brown; Tabitha (Steven) Massey; Noah (Brittany) Brown; Priscilla (Wes) Bulthuis; Dr. Adam Brown; and Joseph (Tori) Brown, and all her great-nieces & nephews. In 1983, Debbie was “grafted into” and cherished by the Lester & Jeanette Barrett family and Linda Barrett was “adopted” by the Darrell & Bonnie Brown family. For decades, Debbie (aka Champ) and Linda walked alongside one another bonded by sisterhood, spiritual pursuits, caregiving, hiking, traveling, and countless adventures. Debbie will be greatly grieved by all, but with the hope of a great reunion one day.

Debbie graduated from Beavercreek High School, and Wright State University obtaining a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Masters of Business Administration degree. Early in her career, Debbie was a Professor of Marketing and Statistics at Cedarville University. She then went into private industry working in market research, became a purchasing manager in the steel industry, and later became a highly respected federal employee with the Social Security Administration, retiring in 2023.

Debbie was an animated and descriptive storyteller who liked to give the “play-by-play” details and laugh big. Debbie loved playing and following many sports and was a proud fan of the Tennessee Lady Vols, The Ohio State Buckeyes, and the Pittsburgh Steelers. But Deb was happiest when she was outdoors with her feet in motion. Whether walking or hiking her beloved Great Smoky Mountains, the Haleakala Sliding Sands trails on Maui, the Sedona Red Rock trails, the beaches of Hawaii and Marco Island, or simply local parks, Deb loved soaking up the beauty and serenity of nature.

Sincerest thanks go to Dr. Caroline Billingsley and the UC Health West Chester GYN ONC staff. Their unwavering dedication, love, and care is simply remarkable. In addition, a deep debt of gratitude is owed to all “Team Deb” members, especially the inner circle who stepped up to ensure Debbie could be cared for in the peace, comfort, and love of home during her final weeks.

Debbie proclaimed Psalm 16:8 as her testimony during a heroic cancer journey: “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” The last song she sang was “Blessed Assurance” -- this is her story; this is her song. Praising her Savior all the day long.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 24, at Hamilton Christian Center, 1940 Millville Ave., Hamilton, OH 45013. Visitation begins at 10 AM with the funeral following at Noon. Services will be officiated by Pastor Curtus Moak, Rev. Johnny Wade Sloan, Rev. Bobby Mills, with the primary tribute given by Dr. Drew Brown. Debbie was a generous and quiet giver who supporting many causes. In lieu of flowers and honoring Debbie’s spirit of giving, please consider making a memorial contribution to the Share Center, a weekly community outreach of Hamilton Christian Center. Donations may be made by check (at the church’s address) or online at HCConline.org designated to the Share Center in honor of Debbie Brown.