Debra Brown Kinnison

Debra Brown Kinnison, born September 21, 1955, was reunited with her husband William Ray Kinnison and her son John Robert Kinnison on Friday, January 31st 2025. Debra was the daughter of Robert Arthur Brown and Jeanne Reid Brown. She was Momma to Benjamin Curtis Kinnison and Teresa Jean (T.J.) Kinnison and Oma to Avery Dawn, Ellis Kay, Marshall Bennett, and Morgan Jean Kinnison. She was Sister to Robert Brown (dec.), Mary Ridgeway, Gerry Ward, Barbara Sponsler, and Teresa Cahlik. Debra was a beloved mother-in-law, “Ma”, sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend. She was a faithful servant of God and her many church communities over the course or her life, always carrying with her an unwavering faith in the love and teachings of Jesus Christ. She graduated from Tarleton State University and if you knew her well, you know how important her faith and education were to the story of her life.

Driven by her giving heart, Debra was a teacher at her core with a deep love and appreciation for education. She loved the game of basketball and dancing. She loved music, shoes, and John Wayne and hated the smell of coffee and peanut butter. Her love language was cooking and you knew when she said, “That’s pretty good even if I do say so myself,” she was happy with her offering of love that meal.

Debra was—and will continue to be—described as “fiery.” And she will also be remembered as soft, warm, and a fiercely safe place to land for so many people in this life. The way she loved her grandbabies (and her babies) emanated from her whole spirit.

Debra, Momma, Oma, will be missed dearly. She will also continue on in stories and tender memories shared. She’ll be here when we dream of her or laugh with her in mind. She’s in the kitchen (and everywhere else) when you’re being brave and trying something new.

Please toast Debra’s beautiful life with a Diet Coke or a frozen Margarita. Remember her smile and never pass on the chips and salsa. Think of her when you hear “Pretty Paper” by Willie Nelson; when you get to buy school supplies; and when you see white daisies. Please remember her boundless love and that whenever you want her to be, she’s around.

We love you, Oma, Momma, Debra. We celebrate all the beauty that lives on because you did. We are endlessly grateful for you.