Debra JoAnn Parker of Knoxville, Iowa, passed away on October 18, 2018, at the Comfort House in Pella, Iowa, after a long struggle with cancer.

Debra was preceded in death by her mother, Luella Mae (Jones) Parker, and her long-time fiancé, Steven McCurry. She is survived by her father, Hubert L. Parker of Bussey, Iowa, and her four brothers: Steve and Jerry Parker of Bussey, Gary Parker of Seattle, Washington, and Todd Parker of Oskaloosa, Iowa. Others left to mourn her death include her in-laws; three nieces and three nephews; a grandnephew and three grandnieces; three aunts; and many cousins and friends.

Debra was born on November 21, 1955, in Knoxville, and raised on a farm near Bussey. She was a 1974 graduate of Twin Cedars High School and long-time attendee of Union Liberty Church, both near Bussey. For most of her professional career, she worked at the VA Hospital in Knoxville and Des Moines, Iowa. She will be known for the care and love she provided her extended family, both old and young; her devotion to friends and work colleagues; and her fondness for car racing, traveling and camping.