Debra “Debbie” Mae Yeager Byrd

Debra “Debbie” Mae Yeager Byrd, 67, of Midland, Texas, went home to her Heavenly Father on May 30, 2026, surrounded by the family she loved so dearly.

Debbie was born January 19, 1959, in Waco, Texas, to Rosella “Rosie” and Richard “Dick” Yeager. She was raised in Vernon, Texas, where her father was the ranch manager for the Waggoner Ranch. She spent her childhood on the rodeo grounds surrounded by family, friends, horses, and adventure. Debbie was active in Camp Fire, drill team, 4H, sports, and the youth group at First United Methodist Church. She developed a deep love for people and community at an early age, and those relationships would remain a defining part of her life. She was a Lions Club exchange student. The first of many trips abroad took her to Sweden and sparked her lifelong love of traveling.

After graduating from Vernon High School, Debbie attended The University of Texas, where she earned her degree in education, pledged Delta Delta Delta, and formed lifelong friendships she faithfully maintained throughout her life. Following graduation, she accepted a teaching position in Booker, Texas, where she shared a home with her high school best friend, Drucy. That friendship, like so many others in Debbie’s life, endured through every season and remained one of her most treasured relationships until the very end. It was during this time in Booker that Debbie and David rekindled the flame that started in the first grade. Though life had taken them in different directions—Debbie to the University of Texas and David to Texas A&M—they were always meant to be and were married on June 25, 1984. Together they built a beautiful life centered on faith, family, friendship, and service. It was not always easy, but they always found something to laugh about. In Midland, where they thought their time would be short, they welcomed two daughters, Helen Claire and Mary Elizabeth. They would spend the next 40 years deeply involved in their community through the endeavors and activities of their beloved girls. Debbie was always so proud of both of her daughters and never missed an opportunity to tell them.

Debbie dedicated much of her professional life to education, spending the majority of her 25- year teaching career teaching English at Midland Freshman High School and Midland Senior High School. She was known as a strict but fun teacher who expected respect, encouraged excellence, and genuinely cared for her students. Following her retirement in 2016, she continued investing in children as a tutor at Lamar Elementary School. She was recognized by former students all over town and loved keeping up with many of them long after they left her classroom.

Debbie was creative, resourceful, and endlessly thoughtful. Whether she was sewing, needlepointing, baking a birthday cake, setting a beautiful table, planning a gathering, or operating her catering business, Company’s Coming, she had a gift for making ordinary moments feel special. Never extravagant but always elegant, Debbie believed people were worth the effort. She lovingly needlepointed stockings for her entire family, along with countless ornaments, Santas, and nutcrackers that have become treasured family keepsakes. She loved to travel—whether on medical mission trips, family adventures, or girls’ trips—and always sent postcards home to her daughters and, later, her grandchildren. France, Spain, Italy, Croatia, Russia, Sweden, and Israel were among the highlights of a long list of destinations.

A lifelong servant, Debbie was active in Junior League, volunteered through First Methodist Church, and participated in numerous medical mission trips. In 2020, while traveling to Uganda on a medical mission trip, Debbie suffered a hemorrhagic stroke that dramatically changed the course of her life. Though the six years that followed brought tremendous challenges, Debbie faced them with faith, courage, lots of humor, and the steadfast support of her family and friends, especially David, whose devotion and care never wavered.

More than any accomplishment, Debbie will be remembered for the way she loved people. She never missed an opportunity to send a birthday card, write a note of encouragement or sympathy, remember an anniversary, celebrate a milestone, deliver a meal, or check on a friend. She faithfully kept a paper calendar where she tracked birthdays, anniversaries, and other special dates—not just for her friends, but for the friends of her children, too. Her friendships spanned decades and seasons of life, from childhood friends in Vernon to her beloved Tri Delta sisters, teaching colleagues, church friends, and the many “transplant” families who became family in Midland. Debbie had a remarkable gift for making people feel remembered.

Of all the roles she cherished, none brought Debbie greater joy than being “Mae” to her grandchildren. She adored Silas, John David, Jack, and Byrdie, eagerly anticipated the arrival of another grandchild, and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them. Her grandchildren were truly the pride and joy of her life.

Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Richard “Dick” Yeager, and her brother, Randall “Randy” Yeager, father-in-law Jerry Byrd, and brothers-in-law Kip White and Paul Chiarello.

She is survived by her devoted husband, David Byrd of Midland; daughters Helen Sledge and husband Sam of Midland, and Mary Elizabeth Holland and husband Matt of Midland; grandchildren Silas and John David Sledge, Jack and Byrdie Holland, and one expected grandchild; mother Rosella Yeager; sister Teresa Whitehead and husband Tandy; mother-in-law Lou Byrd; sisters-in-law Janice Byrd and Luann White; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The Byrd family extends their sincere gratitude to the extraordinary caregivers and medical professionals at UT Southwestern Medical Center, Manor Park Cowden Cottage, and Hospice of Midland for the compassionate care they provided Debbie throughout her journey.

A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held Friday, June 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Methodist Church in Midland, Texas. A private interment will be held for family.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to honor Debbie’s memory by sending a note of encouragement, checking on a friend, supporting a teacher, or making a donation to the Debbie Byrd Memorial Fund through the Permian Basin Area Foundation or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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