Debra “Debbie” Sue Howes, 65, of Orange, Texas, passed away on December 16, 2020, at The Medical Center of Southeast Texas in Port Arthur, Texas.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 22, 2020, at Autumn Oaks Memorial Park in Orange. Officiating will be Reverend Jay Thomas of MacArthur Heights Baptist Church.

Born in Wichita, Texas, on September 13, 1955, she was the daughter of Jack Moore and Margie (Reeves) McKelvey. Debbie worked for the Orange County District Clerk’s Office for many years before retiring. She also worked at Orangefield Elementary for over 19 years as a teacher’s aide and loved all the children as if they were her own. Debbie was dedicated to her family, always making sure that everyone was taken care of, and she especially adored her three grandchildren. She found joy in spending time outdoors, sewing, and have lunch with her friends. Debbie was a kind woman with a big heart who will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jack Moore; her stepfather, Charles McKelvey; and her loving husband of 33 years, Johnny “Big John” Bruce Howes.

She is survived by her mother, Margie McKelvey of DeQuincy, Louisiana; her son, Kyle Howes and wife Monica of Orange; her grandchildren, Collin Howes, Kylie Howes, and Kristin Howes; her brothers, Dennis Moore and wife Debbie of Dequincy and Jackie Moore and wife Jill of DeQuincy; her sister, Janice Williams and husband James of DeQuincy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many wonderful friends.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dennis Moore, Jackie Moore, Joshua Moore, Mason Moore, Caleb Fontenot, and George Roberts. Honorary pallbearers are Kyle Howes, Collin Howes, Kylie Howes, and Kristin Howes.