Debra L. Byles Colburn, 68, formerly of Racine, WI, crossed over peacefully on Friday, August 23, 2024, at Dogwood Manor in Fulton. Born May 9, 1956 in Racine, WI, she was one of eight children born to the late Willie Mae Hickman Byles and Luther E. Byles Sr. Fourteen years ago Debra moved to Fulton where she was dedicated to giving her mother the best care possible. A very smart and studious person, she graduated Racine High School, before her selfless journey into becoming a nurse by graduating from Gateway Technical College with her Nursing Associates degree. Following college, Debra took advantage of her calling and was a valued employee at St. Luke Hospital in Racine for many years doing what she loved.
A Christian of Baptist faith, Debra took advantage of her studious habits and instilled them in her children. A perfectionist she made sure that they were well educated and understood what life was about by teaching them to be confident, trusting, caring, and honest. Debra also made sure that any of their friends who came to visit learned the same. Not only was she a mother to her own children, she raised cousins, friends of her daughters and her sons whole basketball team. Her house was the place to be back in the days.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date in Racine, WI. Service details will be updated as soon as the information is available.
Debra is survived by her loving children, Allen Colburn of Milwaukee, WI, Victoria Sims of Recine, WI, and Leah Johnson of Vancouver, WA, three brothers, Luther Byles Jr. (Gwen), Ivis Byles (Brenda) and Michael Byles (Angie), three grandchildren, Nikki Bowens, Chance Sims and Damarion Parker, two great grandchildren, Aaron and Kinsley, her special friend and cousin that was always willing to take care of anything she needed, Alin Green, and two lifelong friends that all raised their children together, Sharonda Thomas, and Roxie Brown. Preceding Debra in death is her parents, one daughter, Farnesha Colburn, one granddaughter, London Sims, her son in law, Willie Sims, and three brothers, James, Larry and John Byles.
Holland Funeral Directors is honored to serve Debra’s family and friends.
