November 2, 1958 – April 7, 2023
Debra Lynne Reyes loving mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister passed away on April 7, 2023 at the age of 64. She was born on November 2nd, 1958, to Ernestine Marie McFarland and Kenneth Eugene McFarland, and was preceded in death by her father, Kenneth Eugene McFarland and her sister, Victoria Lea McFarland and mother-in-law, Carmen Reyes.
Debra lived her life with an unwavering love for God and her Catholic faith, which she shared with her family and friends. She found comfort and strength in her faith and it was and always will be an integral part of her life. Even more important was the love that she had for her family and friends.
Debra was a devoted wife to her husband, Edward Reyes, and a loving mother to her sons David McFarland, League City, TX and Daniel McFarland Austin, TX, and their wives Kimberly and Daniela, respectively. She adored her grandchildren, Caroline, Eva, Emilia, and Wyatt, and cherished the time spent with them. She will be remembered as a loving daughter and all who knew her knew the special bond she shared with her mother, Ernestine.
Debra was a beloved sister to Kenneth McFarland (Brenda) Sioux Falls, SD, Michael McFarland Sioux Falls, SD, Elizabeth Snow (Bruce) League City, TX, Jeanette Luze (Chuck preceded in death) Sioux Falls, SD , Karen Greenfield (Scott) St. Louis, MO, and Patty Pannell (Steve) Sioux Falls, SD. Her kind and compassionate nature extended to her in-laws, Calistro (preceded in death) (Olivia) Bacliff, TX, Martin Reyes (Christina) Austin TX, Naomi Garza Texas City, TX, Norma Nekooi (Moe preceded in death) League City, and Indercio Reyes (Patricia) Utah, whom she loved dearly. Her numerous nieces and nephew shared a special part of her heart, and she could remember each and every one of their birthdays. Left to cherish her memories are numerous cousins and dear friends.
Debra graduated from Southwest University in Marshall Minnesota in 1980, where she was a member of the swim team. She served her country in the Army from 1982-1985 and was Honorably Discharged as a Sergeant. She received her master’s in special education in 1989 which fueled her love of teaching special needs students. Debra was a devoted teacher for Texas City ISD as well as a Team Leader for the Special Education Department for over 25 years where she impacted the lives of many children. Her passion for teaching and dedication to her students earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and students alike.
Debra will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her kind and gentle spirit, her love for her family, and her commitment to education. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Friends are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Thursday, April 20, 2023 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. with a Rosary to begin at 7:00 P.M. at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546 (281) 992-7200.
The funeral mass will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. at Mary Queen Catholic Church, 606 Cedarwood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546 with Rev. James H. Kuczynski, M.S. and Deacon Chuck Turner officiating.
She will be buried in Humboldt, SD at a later date and the plans will be forthcoming when they are planned.
Friends and family are invited to attend and celebrate the life of this remarkable woman.
Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Jeter Memorial Funeral Home at www.jeterfuneralhome.com.
11 thoughts on “Debra Lynne McFarland Reyes”
My condolences to all the family. Attended SSU with Deb. Great gal and great memories. Doug Freidel. Corsica, SD.
Our sincerest sympathy to Ed, Danny, and David. Debi was a college friend of ours and she was also in our wedding. I am grateful we connected with on her last trip to Arizona. I know you will miss her.
Dear McFarland Family, we both have lost a brother and a sister in our families, may God be with you as you go thru this loss of a great Family🙏🏻🙏🏻Dave, Becky(Bartscher)Ranschau.
Ed,
Our deepest & sincerely sympathy and prayers to you and your family.
SIC, Debi rest in God’s Heavenly Kingdom.
Prayers & Peace,
Gilbert Enriquez & family
We are saddened to hear of Debi's passing. I served on the Pastoral Council with her and had the highest respect for her. We had a bond, I guess, after I told her my Mom was from Ellsworth, Minnesota, and that I have relatives in nearbu Sioux Falls. MarySandra and I said the Rosary this morning for Debi. May Our Lady, Notre Dame, come to meet her and guide her safely to her heavenly home. Debi's faith will make her welcome. Because of the Sacrifice of the Savior, we will see Debi again. May Christ comfort all who love her. All our love and prayers, The Fosters-MarySandra and Steve
I first met Debi (aka Deebee) in 1978 when she, Jane Klinkner Soukup, and I became RAs at SMSU. Throughout our golden friendship, we all lived in different states and were rarely close in proximity, but she was always present in heart. We celebrated the good times together, supported each other through the trials, and made time to reconnect in person. Her faith and love for family were palpable. I miss you, Girlfriend. Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Debi will be greatly missed. Her loving spirit will live on through her sons Danny and David and their wonderful children. May our prayers and the prayers of others bring your family peace and comfort during this difficult time. Tommy and Theresa Price.
We loved Debi very much. She was a wonderful sister-in-law. She had an immensely big heart and she loved people. We will truly miss her, and wish we could be there for a last earthly goodbye. We will see you again Debi. Until then, God be with Ed, your children, and grandchildren. We are praying for all who loved Debi.
I had the honor of working with Debi throughout her tenure with TCISD. Debi was a passionate and accomplished educator. She loved and advocated tirelessly for her students and their families. She was passionate about her work and it showed in all that she did. She was an excellent example for all of us to follow. Sending love, prayers, and my deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
So sorry to learn of Debi’s passing. We met at Mary Queen church and were ACTS sisters. Her love of our Father was evident in all she did and her commitment to her students was remarkable. She was a true servant and remarkable woman. Condolences to your family.
My heartfelt condolences to you Ed, Danny and David… your mom left a legacy of love and compassion to all those who she came into contact with. Carry her spirit with you… you will know she is there