Debra Marie Millard, age 71, departed this life on Monday, March 16, 2026 at her home surrounded by her loving family.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be at 5:00 P.M., Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at Tennessee Ridge Baptist Church with Pastor Dennis Kirk, her son-in-law, Joel Daku, and her grandson, Daniel Daku officiating.
Debra was born on February 27, 1955, in Asheville, NC, to the late Christie Faye Brigmon Rhodarmer, and a dead-beat father who will remain unnamed.
Debra writes… “I know it’s strange that a person writes their own obituary; but people ask me about dying, and I just want people to know it’s not scary, and you don’t have to be anxious. There is comfort in knowing I am going to Heaven and that I will meet my Savior face to face. We are all dying. It’s a great reflection on God’s love, mercy, and grace. I can look back since I was a little girl when God protected me when no one else would. I am so glad I trusted in Him as a 12-year-old young lady. (Romans 10:13) I want you to know God has healed my broken heart and healed my wounds over and over again. Now, He has done so for the last time. My last prayer would be that if you don’t know Him as your Savior, that you would give your life to Him. Give your life to Him, but also choose to live for Him until we meet in Heaven.”
Survivors include her loving husband, John “JB” Millard, who encouraged, prayed, and cared for her for years. Pray for him because he will be bored without her shenanigans. Her children, Jeremy Wilson, Theresa O’Brien, Brooke Daku. We played and argued, but at the end of the day, we loved big! “When it seems like it’s dark and overwhelming remember the daffodils will come out in the spring, and JOY will come in the morning”, Debra herself said.
Debra leaves behind her precious grandchildren, Jerran, Shannon, Aramis, Elijah, Ashler, Ella, Daniel, Adelynn, Bennett, and Calvin. She said that she’s thankful she never knew what it was like to have an ugly grandchild. She loved them BUNCHES! (I Corinthians 10:31)
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Tennessee Ridge Baptist Church Bus Ministry in her honor.
Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Nave Funeral Home of Erin, Tennessee; (931) 289-4277.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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