Rev. Marian E. Debro

Rev. Marian E. Debro transitioned on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. Marian Elizabeth Douglas Debro, lovingly called “Velvet” by her family, was born in Nashville, TN January 24, 1943. She was the first child born to the late Alice Watkins Douglas and Scott Douglas, Jr. With her daughter at her side, she entered into a peaceful rest at her home, Tuesday December 17, 2024. Marian was a lifelong Nashvillian and a proud 1960 graduate (focus on foreign languages) of the nationally renowned Pearl High School. She continued her Foreign Language studies at Tennessee State University, graduating in 1966 with her Bachelor of Arts, Spanish as a member of the Honor Society. Speaking fluent Spanish, French & German, she had an opportunity to work as a translator in Washington, D.C. but chose to remain close to her family. Marian professed her faith at an early age with her family at Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church. As a teen, she chose to attend Lee Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, with her aunt Mabel Burns, and quickly became an active member. After spending the majority of her adult years at Lee Chapel, she joined Ebenezer A.M.E. Church and it was there she received the call into the ministry. Later, Payne Chapel A.M.E. became her church home where she served as an associate pastor until her mobility issues mandated otherwise. She remained involved in ministry through her daily prayers and inspirational text messages to family and friends until illness prevented it. Over the years, Marian worked as a credit representative, a Fisk University dorm director (at the then “New Res Hall”), executive secretary and administrative assistant, retiring from the State of Tennessee in 2013.Marian loved word games. She prided herself on her Scrabble skills where she would sit quietly and beat the pants off her opponents – so much so that her daughter and grandchildren no longer wanted to play with her because they were guaranteed a loss. She also loved to bake, try vastly different recipes and care for her plants. Marian also excelled in her sewing, singing, and speed typing. Marian had an infant brother, James, who preceding her in death. Her memory will be cherished by her daughter, Tanya M. Debro; siblings, Scott (Lynn) Douglas, III, Sharon Dean & Michael Douglas; grandchildren, Celeste Debro, Randy Hendricks, II, Mario Freeman and Ashley Debro; great-granddaughter Sarina “Muffin” Williams; nephews, Frederick Douglas & Andrew Dean; great-niece Hadiyah Muhammad-Dean; a HOST of COUSINS and a devoted friend Doris Batey.

In lieu of flowers, it would please our loved one very much if contributions were made to her great-granddaughter’s educational fund that she helped fund.

PayPal: paypal.me/MuffinsFuture ~ CashApp: $MuffinsFuture   Please keep the Debro family in your thoughts and prayers.