Debra Howard

Debra L. Howard Age 57 of Wilmington, passed away unexpectedly Sunday August 17, 2014 following complications which resulted from a victorious battle with lung cancer. Born August 5, 1957 in Savannah, Georgia, Debra Lynn was a daughter of the late Preston James and Alice Ann (Griffin) Graham. She was raised in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School with the class of 1976. On September 24, 1977, Debbie married Victor Howard in the First United Methodist Church in Wilmington. Debbie's previous employment entailed Kevin's Corner in Braidwood as well as Wilmington Lanes. She was an avid animal lover, who took pleasure in camping and fishing. Debbie enjoyed traveling and game nights, playing cards. Many memorable times were made picnicking and poolside with a good bloody Mary. Debbie will be remembered for her courageous defeat of cancer and her never ending love of family and her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband of 36 years Victor; children: Jarrett Howard and Evan (Mark) Hazzard; grandsons: Porter and Parker Hazzard; sisters: Renee (George) Zouganelis and Krista Thomas, and her mother-in-law Jeannette (the late Donald A.) Howard, all of Wilmington; two brothers-in-law: Dennis (Kathy) Howard of Middleton, Missouri and Steven Howard of Wilmington; nieces and nephews: Talon and Colton Howard, Trent and Trevor Howard, Lauren Nicoll and Alexis and Jeremy Zouganelis; special cousin Ronna Sherrod of Savannah, Georgia and best friend Jodi Roark of Wilmington, as well as her faithful companions ChiChi and ChaCha.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents Preston and Alice Graham.

Per Debbie's wishes, cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a celebration of Debbie's life on Saturday, August 23, 2014 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Friends are then invited to Debbie's home following the visitation for a picnic.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Debbie's memory to The LUNGevity Foundation, 218 S. Wabash, Suite #540, Chicago, IL 60604 (www.lungevity.org)

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.BaskervilleFuneral.com

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Baskerville Funeral Home in Wilmington. (815/476-2181)