Obituary of Debra Jean McIlvenna

Debra Jean Bowman was born in Pell City, Alabama on November 6, 1952.   She was the daughter of Billy Frank Bowman and Hudie Loretta (Glidewell) Raymond.   Debbie was a graduate of Vincent High School in Vincent, Alabama.  

On June 20, 1981, she wed Robert “Bob” McIlvenna Jr. in Monroe, Michigan. They would be blessed with two daughters and a son and enjoyed thirty-seven years of marital bliss.

A devout Christian, Debbie attended services at Rapha Christian Center in Erie, Michigan. It was a daily ritual for her to light a candle during her “quiet time” with God. Calling themselves “God’s Girls”, Debbie attended Bible Study at the home of a friend for more than twenty years. She enjoyed writing poetry, keeping a journal, and taking detailed notes from Christian television programming. Debbie was full of compassion and had a strong calling to servitude, helping anyone in need. When her children were young, she had an open-door policy at her home and became a second mom to many children. She always had her dear friend Billy “Pappy” Herrell by her side. Best friends of more than 22 years, he stood by her through thick and thin and took care of her after her late husband passed. 

Debbie was gregarious and never met a stranger. She enjoyed traveling all over the country and making new friends along the way. Her ventures took from North Carolina to Pennsylvania, Indiana, Kentucky, and back home to Alabama. She loved to shop, especially hunting for bargains at the thrift stores. More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandbabies, whom she adored. An extraordinarily strong woman, she was resilient throughout the trials of her life and always put her faith in Jesus Christ.

Debra Jean McIlvenna, age 68, of Monroe, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 18, 2021.   Her passing was preceded by her parents and her husband: Robert McIlvenna Jr. in 2018.

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Bambi (Michael) Lymond and Jesse McIlvenna, both of Monroe, Michigan, and Bridget (Ben) June of Muncy, Pennsylvania, four grandchildren: Chloe, Isabella, Logan, and Ethan, one sister: Susan (Bill) Davis; and one brother: Steve Hannah.

Private interment will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery; 4200 Belford Road, Holly, Michigan 48442.   Arrangements have been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185.

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