Debra Lynn (Payne) Etheredge

     Debra Lynn Etheredge was born February 18, 1952 at Chickasaw Infirmary in Chickasaw, Al. She was the oldest of four siblings who called her "Big Sister." She lived in Wagarville most of her life prior to her marriage. She started school in Chickasaw, and then transferred to Wagarville Elementary in the sixth grade. After sixth grade graduation, she started school at Leroy High School, where she met a group of life long friends.

     At Leroy, Debra was in Beta Club, FHA, and a member of the varsity cheering squad. She served as head cheerleader during her senior year. She graduated from Leroy in 1970. After high school, she attended and also graduated from the Alabama School of Banking. This was the beginning of Debra's career in banking. She was employed by Regions Bank in Jackson, Al, where she became the Branch Manager before she retired after thirty-five years of service. During her tenure as branch manager, Debra was a part of several civic organizations in Jackson because of her desire to serve and help others.

     In November of 1970, Debra married her lifelong sweetheart, Dovie Gene Etheredge. After fourteen years of marriage, they welcomed their "Miracle Baby", a little boy that they named Kane. Debra and Gene were happily married for almost fifty-three years. 

     Mrs. Debra and Gene were faithful members of First Baptist Church, Leroy, where they were part of the Adult 3/ Joe Pace Palmer Sunday School class. During their years at First Baptist, they served as Sunday School and Church Training teachers. They also worked in Vacation Bible School and with the youth ministry. Debra also served as chaperone for many youth trips.

     Debra's hobbies included growing flowers in her flower garden although, she never grew yellow roses, her  favorite of all flowers. She loved canning vegetables from her husband's garden. She loved making divinity and teaching others to make it. Another pasttime she enjoyed was fishing in her brothers pond. One year, Gene was able to talk her into going hunting at the hunting camp. Debra enjoyed a number of hobbies, but her greatest joy came from embroidering baby bibs for others.

     Mrs. Debra is survived by her husband, Dovie Gene Etheredge; her son, Kane Jacoby Etheredge; her mother, Betty Seibert-Payne; her brother, Henry Michael "Mickey" (Phyllis) Payne; and her grandson, Eli Etheredge. She is preceded in death by her father, William Raymond Payne; and her brothers William Raymond Payne, Jr. and George Richard Payne.

     A memorial Service will be held at First Baptist, Leroy on September 1, 2023 with Rev. Ben Posey officiating. Visitation 10:00 am. Services 11:00 am

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Baptist Church building fund or the church cemetery fund.

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