Deborah “Debbie” Jean Evans, 73, passed away peacefully on Nov. 17, 2025. Born on June 7, 1952, in Winnie, Texas, to parents Bill Evans and Sharline Regan, Debbie carried a deep love for her home state throughout her life.
After spending about two decades in Arizona, she returned to Texas five years ago to lovingly help care for her sister, Ruth—a role that allowed her to use the skills she had honed as a dedicated nurse. Debbie was known for her sass, her outspoken nature, and the spark she brought into every room.
Though a private person in many ways, she embraced life’s simple pleasures. She enjoyed shopping trips to Mexico, hunting for treasures at garage sales, and the occasional gambling trip to Louisiana with her beloved sister. Above all, Debbie’s heart belonged to her family. She adored her children, grandbabies, and great-grandbabies with every bit of her whole heart.
She was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Shirley Evans and her sisters, Mary Sue Hall and Ruth Ann Duff. Debbie leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory: her sons, Bobby Joe Tanton Jr. and Steven Tanton; her sister, Wanda Duff, and her husband; grandchildren Donavan Tanton Sr. and wife Angel, Jacob Tanton, and Matthew Tanton and wife Andrea; great-grandchildren Ryan, Adelynne, Aliyah, Elizabeth, Donavan Jr., Sebastian; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends.
A visitation will be held on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, from 12–2 p.m. at Pace Stancil Funeral Home in Dayton, with a service beginning at 2 p.m. A burial will follow at Magnolia Park Cemetery, also in Dayton. Debbie will be remembered for her strength, her humor, her generosity, and the fierce love she held for her family. Her presence will be deeply missed and her memory treasured always.