Debra Lou Carter
April 13, 1953 - November 25, 2023

Debra Lou Carter passed away in San Marcos, Texas on November 25, 2023.  A longtime resident of Ft. Worth and the world, Debra Lou moved back to San Marcos two years ago to live closer to her brother, Royce and return to where her family grew up.  Debra was an Air Force brat and returned with her parents to San Marcos, where she spent her grade school and junior high school years. The family then relocated to St. Louis, where Debra graduated from high school before returning to San Marcos, where she graduated from SWT and was a member of Angel Flight.  Debra would then find herself living life and working in Abilene for Chaparral Airlines as a ticket agent and then on to Tehran, Iran where she traveled extensively before returning to Ft. Worth, where she worked as a Library Assistant III for 30 years at UTA in Arlington, Texas.  

Debra was a wicked card player, loved movies, and her beloved Cowboys and Rangers, to say she loved football and baseball would be an understatement.  Debra had an infectious laugh and could quote “Greater Tuna” at request.  She was a wonderful cook and loved searching through cookbooks for that next yummy recipe.  She had an incredible memory and loved recalling moments throughout her life that most of her friends and family had forgotten.  She had a brilliant mind when it came to family history, few could match her recall of her Payne-Carter ancestors. Those who knew her and loved her will miss her sweet smile, seeing her walk her faithful dog, Sadie, and her often sarcastic (but always with love) banter, and eating a meal while planning the next one.  When she moved back to San Marcos, she moved to The Wellington, where she reconnected with school friends and made many new friends, joining them at the bingo table, playing cards and swimming with the Friday night “floaters”.  

Debra Lou was preceded in death by her parents, Hazel Beth Carter and Royce Payne Carter, Sr. and her brother, Royce Payne Carter.  She is survived by her brother, Clifford Burdette Carter and wife Phyllis Parker Carter, nieces Kelly Scarborough and Valerie Tenbarge, two great nieces, Kalin Tenbarge and Naomi  Scarborough, two great nephews, Rafe and Lane Tenbarge, all of Louisville, Kentucky,  best friend Julie Alexander and daughter Heather McIntyre, and her cousins, Claire Perkins, Ryan Perkins and Michele Frazier.   

A memorial service is planned for the spring of 2024.  Donations can be made to the American Kidney Fund or a charity close to your heart.  

https://www.penningtonfuneralhome.com/obituary/debra-carter