Debra Renee Drushel

Debra Renee Drushel, beloved mother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away surrounded by love and family. She was born on December 14, 1959, in Houston, Texas, where she also spent her entire life-a life filled with laughter, generosity, and devotion to those she loved.

Debra was a proud graduate of Jersey Village High School (Class of 1978), where she was a spirited member of the drill team. She continued her education at Blinn College and later earned her bachelor's degree in Restaurant Management from the University of Houston's Hilton College in 1984. Her passion for hospitality and food later inspired her to share her knowledge with others through teaching Culinary Arts, something she took great pride and joy in.

On August 8, 1981, Debra married George Drushel III, and together they raised their daughters, Bethany and Jennifer, who were the light of her life. Her family was her greatest source of joy, and she loved nothing more than cheering on her daughters and watching them grow into the strong, compassionate women she had always hoped they'd be.

Debra's interests were as lively and warm as she was. She loved dance-having performed with the Jersey Village and Blinn College Drill Teams, and even coaching a local team, the Classy Canes, where her spirit and rhythm inspired others. A true Texan, she had a lifelong love for football-especially UT and UH games-and college basketball. She could often be found watching the Food Network, enjoying disco or Bruno Mars tunes, and savoring Mexican food with a smile.

Those who knew Debra will remember her as funny, generous, and endlessly giving. She had a heart that overflowed with kindness, treating everyone she met like family. She was a sweet and loving aunt who adored Gunner and Everly Motal as if they were her own grandchildren, and she cherished her grand dogs, Callie and Sadie Mae, who brought her so much comfort and joy.

Debra's faith was a steady presence throughout her life-baptized on December 27, 1959, and confirmed on April 1, 1974-and she carried that faith with grace and gratitude every day.

She is survived by her daughters and son-in-laws, Jennifer Drushel and Julio Rodriguez of Houston, Texas, and Bethany Drushel and Matt Gratt of Austin, Texas; her sister, Katherine Beeman of Paige, Texas; her nieces and nephews, Lauren Motal and her husband Chris (and their children Gunner and Everly), Lacey Dunn and her boyfriend Jason Pritchard, and Sam Beeman and his girlfriend Anna Qualls.

She was preceded in death by her beloved daughter Amanda Drushel, her parents Marvin and Eleanor Berger, and her sister Sharon Mikeska.

Debra's generous spirit, humor, and warmth will be deeply missed by all who knew her. To honor her love for animals and nature, memorial donations may be made to the ASPCA or Tree Folks for the planting of trees in her memory.

Her laughter, love, and light will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.