Debra Karen Epp was born June 18,1953 to James C. Epp and Lois L.Epp. Lois fondly remembers looking out the hospital window the day Debby was born and seeing a lone little red sailboat crossing the Chesapeake Bay… it made her think of her beautiful, but fiercely independent daughter in the nursery that the Lord had blessed her with.

Debby loved the Lord with all her heart and with all of her strength. She served God in The Salinas California Salvation Army church for over six decades. One of her gifts was playing the piano and she used that gift every Sunday playing hymns as the church pianist for over four decades. She was also the Songsters (choir) director for over four decades. Many of her songsters over the years would comment that Debby influenced their love of music and that her example brought them closer in their walk with the Lord.

Debby loved her family and friends fiercely. She also loved her cat of 15yrs, Phanny, who stayed by her side to the very end. Debra’s quiet strength and strong faith were the example she left everywhere she went. She was often the anchor and voice of reason for family and friends in the midst of hardship.

Debby was proud of many things she accomplished through her life. She loved her job with Farmers Insurance that she held for over twenty years. She was a dedicated choir member of the Hartnell Community Choir for over four decades. She held the position of Corps Sergeant Major in The Salvation Army. She was proud of the way she had raised the son and daughter of her heart, James and Lisa.

She was a faithful follower and soldier of Christ and was a blessing and inspiration to so many. Debra finished her earthly journey and met her Savior face to face in heaven on January 23,2022.

She is preceded in death by her father Sgt. James Epp, Grandmother Gertrude Mills, the “son of her heart” and nephew James Epp, and a nephew Sean Epp.

She is survived by her mother Lois Epp,  her brother Dan (Lori) Epp, her sister Donna (Kahn) Stallings,  the “daughter of her heart” and niece  Lisa (Jason), her nephew Paul (Cedra) Epp, her nephew Daniel (Malka) Epp, her niece Amy (Jim) Stallings, her nephew Eric Stallings, and great nieces and nephews Meagan, Ellie, Zachary, Jeremy, Sienna, Jackson, and Callie .

A celebration of Debra’s life will be held at The Salinas Salvation Army in the spring. A small memorial service will be held at the Sheridan Salvation Army in February. Date to be determined.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.

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