Debra McCarthy

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Debra Joyce McCarthy, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who left us on April 24, 2025. Born on October 23, 1952, in Amarillo, Texas, Debra lived a life full of love, laughter, and countless furry friends.

Debra graduated from Lee High School in San Antonio. She married the love of her life, Thomas W. McCarthy, on January 24, 1980, in Abilene, Texas. As a proud military wife, she supported her family through many adventures, and in 2017, she made Lubbock her home.

Debra’s passion for communication led her to earn an associate’s degree in American sign language from Sinclair Community College. She dedicated her career to helping others, working with children in schools and as an activity director at a nursing home, where she brought joy and companionship to countless lives.

Known affectionately as the “crazy cat lady,” she had a big heart for animals and always had multiple cats and dogs along with various other furry friends she adored. She cherished her family time, whether it was going out to eat or just going to the movies.

Debra is survived by her loving husband, Thomas; her daughters, April Hanson and Nichole Boyd; daughter-in-law, Amy McCarthy and son-in-law, Dan Boyd; and a whole host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, including Desiree’, Alexa , and Hayleigh Hanson, Johnna Kelcka, Brianna Barber, Skyler, Brooke and Braydan Boyd, and Landon, and Madison McCarthy, as well as great-grandchildren Liam and Noah Hanson, who were all the light of her life.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel and Nadine Elsom; her brother, Daniel Ron Elsom; her son, Aaron McCarthy and a son-in-law Matthew Hanson.

To honor Debra’s vibrant spirit, a visitation will begin at 12:00 noon, Monday, April 28, 2025 at Lake Ridge Chapel and Memorial Designers followed by a graveside service at 2:00 PM at the City of Lubbock Cemetery. We invite those who knew her to come share their love and memories.

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