San Antonio, TX- Debra Ann Owen, 62, formerly of Bradley, IL and Rantoul, IL passed away on Friday (Nov. 6, 2020) at Northeast Baptist Hospital. 

She was born September 18, 1958 to Charles and Joan (Hansen) Buchanan who preceded her in death. She is survived by her brothers Charles Buchanan (Chris) of West Pittsburg, CA; George Buchanan (Carol) of Las Vegas, NV; sisters Susan Steers and Rebecca Sykes (Steve) of Springfield, IL. She was the mother of Mark Jr. (Lori) of Rantoul, IL; Robert of San Antonio, TX; JeAnna of Selma, AL; Steven Tyler of Danville, IL; Jeremiah of San Antonio, TX; Janelle of San Antonio, TX; and was the proud foster mother of Marcus, Angie and Serena. She is survived by her 9 grandchildren. She is also survived by her faithful and loving dog, Gracie.  

Debra had four major loves in her life: God, her children, the Chicago Cubs, especially Ryne Sandberg and the San Antonio Spurs. She played piano in her church at various points in her life and was actively involved in a variety of ministries from music to missions to children and youth. She loved her children unconditionally, sacrificially, praying for them always. She had a knack for adapting to each of their many unique personalities, giving them just what they needed when they needed it. She cried tears of joy in 2016 when the Cubs won the World Series. In recent years, some of her favorite times were spent cheering on the Spurs in person and on TV. She loved watching Tim Duncan, both as a player and a coach. She was elated when she had her picture taken with the coyote at a Spurs game.    

She was a student who always wanted to learn more to make the world a better place. She held bachelor's degrees in English and Social Work and a Master’s in Education, earning her degrees in Social work and Education while working and raising her children. More times than any of us could count she was working, attending their school events, sporting events and church events, then working late into the night on her own education, making it seem effortless to those around her.  

Debra was an extremely proud grandmother. She loved talking about what was going on with her granddaughters in San Antonio and was thrilled to be able to spend nearly every day with them. She followed her grandsons' football, marching band and wrestling activities in central Illinois and was their super fan. She always wanted to know how they were doing and was excited for the next video. It was a special part of her life to have her grandchildren visit from northern Illinois and Alabama.  

Her life was spent as a fierce advocate for children. Throughout the years she was involved in foster care, becoming the first foster mom in the Hope for the Children community in Rantoul, IL where she fostered 6 children, adopting 3 of them. She continued to work in schools and organizations that sought to provide better living situations and help for children throughout the years of her life both in Illinois and after her move to San Antonio. Most recently she had taken up the cause of veteran's well-being. She believed that mental health should be a top priority and began supporting organizations that took care of our veterans.   

She had a spirit of hope and optimism and never gave up on people, even when they wanted to give up on themselves. She lived simply, preferring building relationships and memories to possessions. She wanted to live her life in a way that she could be proud of and the reflected the Jesus she held so dear to her heart. She was proud to be a member of her church and many of her happiest times were being surrounded by her church family.  

In her last days, she took extreme joy in voting in the presidential election. She truly believed her vote could make a difference. She told several others how excited she was to go to the polls and fill out her ballot for the candidate she truly believed in. She always encouraged her children to vote and to vote their conscience.  

The memorial service for Debra Owen will be Thursday, November 12th at 2 pm at the San Antonio First Church of the Nazarene. It will be officiated by pastor Matt Rice and simulcast online for those unable to attend in person. 

In Lieu of flowers, please direct support to the San Antonia area Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), American GI Forum and West Avenue Compassion at San Antonio First Church of the Nazarene.