Debra Gail Gabbard

Debra (Debby) Gail Gabbard

Debby Gabbard, a woman of faith, resilience, compassion and love concluded her courageous two-year battle with metastatic breast cancer with dignity when she departed to heaven to join her husband and baby girl. She was surrounded by generations of her family in her beloved home.

She was born the third child and daughter to Sadie Virginia Watkins (Junior Agee) of Richmond and Clayborn Scudder Pearson (Jenny Lee) of Ashland on September 18, 1964 in Irvine.

Debby was a devoted wife and took pride in her life roles as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. She loved long drives to new places, black-eyed susans, all genres of music, dark humor and bingo. Since childhood she was an avid reader. Her door and home were always open to those in need of care, love and understanding. She shared in raising other's children and grandchildren along her life's journey. Debby was a dedicated social worker with Hospice, where she went beyond her job duties to ensure her client and their family had all needs met with respect.

In addition to her parents Debby is survived by her children; Michael Gabbard (Jo-Lynn), Matthew (Debra) Gabbard and Angela Gabbard all of Jackson County. Her siblings; Rosemary James of Stanford, Phyllis (Larry) Daugherty of Richmond, Glenn (Tammy) Pearson of Clay City, Ricky (Debbie Jo) Pearson of Richmond, Mark Pearson of Springfield, Ohio, Rebekah (Brian) Shoaf of Columbus, Ohio, Pliney (Ronnie) Webb of Irvine, and James Biggs of Berea. She

was truly blessed and treasured by 17 grandchildren and 11

great grandchildren who were the light of her life.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bruce Charles Gabbard Jr., and her daughter, Susan Gail Gabbard. Her stepmother and dear friend Susan Kaye Pearson, and loving brothers Doug Pearson and David Pearson also a nephew Anthony Pearson and niece Laura Tink Foster.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Lakes Funeral Home Chapel at 6:00 pm.

Funeral services and a life celebration for Debby will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Lakes Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Levi Moore officiating. During her service, Debby requested we share our memories of her. She wants her life to be celebrated. Burial will follow in the Abner Cemetery located in Chestnut Flat.

In lieu of flowers family request donations to be made to Lakes Funeral Home.