Debra “Debbie” Jean Burnett, of Smiley, Texas was born on November 21,1956 in Nixon, Texas to Harold Eugene Burnett and Virginia Ann Bundick, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, in Seguin, Texas at the age of 69.
Debbie attended Smiley Schools and graduated in 1975. She played basketball, volleyball and participated in track. She was a member of the Smiley Bantamette Drill Team, the Annual Staff, Newspaper Staff, FHA, Speech and Drama Club, One act play crew, and the Rodeo Club. She also attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos where she received her Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and Coaching graduating in 1979. Debbie was involved with the Old Chisum Trailride and loved riding horses.
Debbie was a Coach and Teacher for the Runge ISD, Hallettsville ISD, Stockdale ISD and Cuero ISD. She coached basketball, volleyball, and track and field.
Debbie loved sporting events and would attend her nephews and niece’s events when possible. She would also be found up in the stands pulling for her students at football games. She made trips out of state to watch Dusty and Aimee compete at their track meets. She dabbled in photography for a while as well.
Debbie and Robert loved to go dancing, eating out and watching movies. She traveled with her dear friends Rachel Kelley, Joann Havemann and her cousin Karen Mayer.
She is preceded in death by her parents: Harold Eugene Burnett and Virginia Ann Burnett and by her cherished companion Robert Birchum.
Survivors include her brothers and sister and their spouses: David Burnett and wife Janie, of Calvert, TX, Dickey Ray Burnett and wife Trayce of Smiley, TX, Donna B. Vasbinder and husband Theron, of LaVernia, TX; cousin; Karen Mayer; nephews and niece: Dusty Jonas and wife Marusa, David “Houston” and wife Bridgette, Clay Taylor Burnett and wife Sarah, Aimee Hunt and husband Kevin, Layne Hicks, Luke Hicks and wife Amber; great nephews and nieces: T.C. Burnett, Bentlie Burnett, Kyra Hunt, Quinn Hunt, Max Jonas, Audrey Burnett, Camille Burnett, and Jonathan Burnett; dear friends: Rachel Kelley, Joann Havemann, Diana Weise, and many other relatives and friends who Debbie loved dearly.
Debbie was a member of the First Baptist Church in Smiley. She will be loved and deeply missed by all.
Memorial Services at the First Baptist Church of Smiley, TX on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Marvin Miles officiating.
Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Smiley, 106 N FM 108, Smiley, TX 78159.