On September 29, 2026, Debbie lost her battle with leukemia and was called home by her eternal father, but not before stopping at the rainbow bridge and getting her walking buddy Kody. Together again, they’ll meet the Lord with smiling faces.

Debbie was born on September 7, 1959, in Russell, KY, to James Brown and Mary (Bradley) Brown. Debbie graduated from Greenup County High School in 1977 and from Ohio University in 1989 and eventually achieved a master's plus 30 degree.

She married and gave birth to 2 sons, Brandon and Dustin (Melanie) Marshall, who survive along with 4 grandchildren, Ella, Dylan, Tucker and Kennadi Marshall and her husband of not near long enough, Kirk Shepherd. Also surviving are two stepchildren: Andrew Shepherd of Kenton and Sara (J.T.) Adams of Toledo, a brother, Timothy Brown of Bluffton, OH, nephew James Nathan Brown of Cairo, stepfather Jack Crabtree of Lima and very special family members Bill and Jeanne Bradley of Tipp City, OH and 2 cherished good friends, Debbie Poling and Teri Salyer of Ada.

She was a school teacher for 25 years with almost all of them being in Ada, OH, where she taught 2nd grade. Those children would fondly remember her as Mrs. Combs. In 2010 Debbie’s teaching career would come to an end as she would be diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma (a blood cancer) which she would battle until 2018 when she entered a study called car-t immunotherapy at OSU The James Cancer Center.

Once a teacher, always a teacher. Debbie taught many people there with lengthy acronyms behind their names, so that others who followed her would not have to endure what she did, as she pushed them almost daily to keep her alive, trying different drugs and strategies. It all worked and she was still in remission from leukemia. But little did Debbie know if or how she had touched many if any lives until June 2026 while in Houston, Tx at MD Anderson’s Cancer Hospital seeking a cure for her lymphoma (the other blood cancer) did Dr’s and PA’s say “so it’s you - you’re the long-term survivor of the original car-t we’ve heard and read about.” Yes. Once a teacher, always a teacher.

Debbie had many passions. Outside of being the best Mamaw ever to her four precious grandchildren, she was also an avid flower gardener, with the rose being her favorite. As a member of the Hardin County Master Gardeners Club she and other members would work tirelessly keeping the Children’s Garden looking vibrant and welcoming for all to enjoy, along with being a member of Keep Hardin County Beautiful.

Her faith was her driving force throughout her life. She made friends wherever she went--and there are a lot of them, not only here locally but in Texas, Florida and Nevada, just to name a few. She will be missed by all, as it was impossible not to like or even love her smile and warm, inviting heart and personality as soon as you met her. Her wish is that if you can give blood, please give it, for it is a true sign of love when you give the gift of life.

Funeral Services will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Ada, with Deacon Michael Hood officiating. Burial will be in Fulton Cemetery, Kenton.

Visitation will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hanson-Neely-Allison Funeral & Cremation Services, Ada and one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Saturday.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hardin County Master Gardeners.