Debra “Debbie” Faye Burns January 22, 1958 - November 29, 2024

Debra (Debbie) Faye Burns, 66, of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully on November 29th, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on January 22nd, 1958, in Burlington, Vermont, Debbie was the daughter of the late Ronald Wall and Betty Bunch, who survives her.

In 1973, Debbie married the late Rick Manharth, and together they had two daughters, Michelle and Melissa. As a proud mother, she instilled in her children a deep love for family, kindness, and hard work. After Rick’s passing in 2010, Debbie reconnected with Gene Burns, a childhood friend, and their renewed bond grew stronger, leading to their marriage in 2012. Gene’s children became a cherished part of her life, and she embraced her role as a loving stepmother to his three children: Dusty, Chaz, and Shane.

Debbie was also a devoted grandmother to seven grandchildren: Corey, Kayla, Aaron, Ryan, Jessica, Alesha, and Chase and four step grandchildren: Lydi, Foxx, Denver, and Mila. Her grandchildren brought her immense joy, and she cherished every moment with them, whether attending their sporting events, school activities, or sharing her love and wisdom.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, Debbie was a beloved companion to her dog, Gatsby, who brought her immense joy and comfort, especially in her later days. The family would like to share that Debbie approached her long-term illness with unwavering determination, facing each challenge with courage and inspiring everyone around her with her remarkable strength and perseverance.

Debbie will be remembered by her family and friends as a compassionate, loving, and strong woman whose kindness knew no bounds. She is survived by her beloved husband, Gene; her children, Michelle and her husband, Darren and Melissa and her husband, Darrell; her stepchildren; her grandchildren; her step grandchildren; her mother, Betty Bunch; her siblings, Regina, and Deanna; and her faithful dog, Gatsby. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will miss her deeply. A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held on Thursday, December 5th, at 12:00 PM at Buchanan, located at 8712 N Council Road, Oklahoma City, OK 73132.

In lieu of flowers, Debbie was a Sooner through and through, so please make donations in her name to The OU Foundation – Cancer Research and note ‘In memory of Debbie Burns.’ Mail to: The University of Oklahoma Foundation, PO Box 258856, Oklahoma City, OK 73125-8856.

Debbie’s legacy of love, courage, and strength will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her.