Debra Ann DeBra Shepherd

Debra Ann DeBra Shepherd, 71, of Burns, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on June 8th, 2026.

Known to most as “Deb,” she was born on July 16th, 1954, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to William and Frances DeBra. She graduated from Triad High School, Troy, Illinois, in 1972 and went on to Harding University, where she met her husband, Dave Shepherd. They married in 1974, and Deb faithfully served as a dedicated stay-at-home mom and loving Air Force wife. For a time, she was also an executive assistant for the Association of the United States Army.

Deb was a fiery woman who brought laughter and astonishment wherever she went, and her creativity was evident in her many hobbies. She was an avid gardener, an insatiable bookworm, an intuitive chef, an imaginative fiber artist, and an unapologetic cat lover.

Deb is survived by her husband of 51 years, Dave; her son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Lisa Shepherd, of Woodbury, TN; her daughter and son-in-law, Jeni and James Allen, of Kingston Springs, TN; grandchildren Avery Shepherd, Elise Shepherd, Wendy Allen, David Allen, and Rachel Allen; and siblings Bill DeBra, David DeBra, Diana Price, and Denise Dawson. She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Frances DeBra. She will also be deeply missed by her beloved cats, Pachelbel and Dolce.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 28th, at Pegram Church of Christ. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following. The family invites those attending the memorial service to wear purple or other jewel tones in celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America or the Celiac Disease Foundation.

The family appreciates the prayers and love shown during this time.

Arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, 6949 Charlotte Pike, Suite 104  (615) 857-9955. We are proud to be West Nashville & Greater Bellevue areas only locally owned and operated burial & cremation provider.