Debra Jeraldine Ochoa

Debra Ochoa, 52, of Hewitt, passed away Sunday, January 22, 2023, at Providence Hospice Place in Waco with her husband at her side.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, January 27, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with Pastor Ronnie Holmes officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 26, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home.

Debra was born January 24, 1970, in Fort Riley, Kansas, to Billy J. Copeland and Alpha Nelta Fern Copeland. Debra graduated from China Spring High School in 1988. She worked for NASA for eight years before returning to Waco. She married Lance Ochoa February 9, 2001. She was the best wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker for her family.

Debra was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 and fought the good fight until God called her home. She loved music by Stevie Nicks, adored Marilyn Monroe, loved to crochet and most of all caring for her family. Her faith in Jesus Christ sustained her and was her guiding light.

She was preceded in death by her father, Billy J. Copeland; mother, Alpha Nelta Fern Copeland; father-in-law, Freddie Ochoa; two brothers, Danny and Bill Copeland; sister, Ronnie Rossiaky; and grandson, Alexander Lee Staples.

She is survived by her husband, Lance Ochoa; daughters, Haley Guthrie, Amber Mabry, and Haley Gentry; sons, Levi Ochoa and Christopher Ochoa; grandchildren, Candace, Taylor and Fae Mabry, Hollie Gentry, and Marilu and Grayson Guthrie; mother-in-law, Mary Bury; sister, Gail Thompson; sons-in-law, Cody Mabry, Josh Gentry, and Michael Guthrie; and niece, Desi Ochoa.

Pallbearers will be Cody Mabry, Josh Gentry, Michael Guthrie, Bobby Copeland, James Carnes and Elijah Stovall.

Memorials may be directed to Pinky Swear Foundation, 5555 W. 78th St, Suite E, Edina MN 55439 in her memory.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.