Debra Ann Nutt (Ayers) Killian || Obituary

Debra Ann Nutt (Ayers) Killian was born May 27, 1955, to Judge Fred L. Nutt Sr. and Christine Stephens Nutt, joining a big brother, Fred Nutt Jr. whom she continued to adore and look up to throughout her lifetime. Debra attended First Ward Elementary in Paris, Texas, and was a member of the Paris High School Class of 1973. During her time at PHS, she was active in DECA, French Club, FTA, Tri-Hi-Y, and Choir, where she developed lifelong friendships. She was also an active member of the Ramseur Baptist Youth. She bravely and courageously moved by herself to Springfield, Missouri to attend Bible Baptist College at the age of 18. Returning to Paris a few years later, she received her Master’s Degree in Special Education from East Texas State University, now East Texas A&M. She began her teaching career at Delmar ISD and transitioned to the consolidated district of Chisum ISD where she remained until her retirement in 1998, due to health issues. Debra enjoyed the time she spent in BPW Business of Professional Women, being a faculty member of Chisum ISD, and as a lifelong member of Ramseur Baptist Church.

Debra is survived by her mother Christine, husband, William Killian Jr., daughter Shandie Ayers, three grandchildren, Jayda Ayers, Makiala
Blackmon, and Kyson Blackmon, brother Fred L. Nutt Jr and wife Dana, brother-in-law Doug Johnson, nephew Joshua Nutt and wife Jill (Annie), niece Jenna Nutt (Cayden, Londyn, and Cam), and nephew Heath Nutt-Johnson, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, as well as Mrs. Terri Watkins, a very dear friend whom she adored as they shared fellowship throughout the years.

She was preceded in death by her father, Judge Fred Nutt, grandparents, Silas & Nora McElya Nutt and Walter F. & Ola Enox Stephens, and her
beloved, cherished, admired and dearly missed sister Kathy Nutt Johnson.

A few well-known quotes that Debra believed include: Children are our future and yes, it does take a village; All you need is faith the size of a mustard seed; If you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all, and it takes more courage not to fight. As her health began to restrict her ability to physically move, she used the traditional phone line to ensure she checked on friends and family daily to offer prayers, words of encouragement, and fellowship.Once you were close to Debra, you were forever in her heart. Debra’s love for God, her church, family, and friends remained her primary sources of strength.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at Ramseur Baptist Church. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5:00 PM til 6:00 PM Tuesday at the Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be sent to the Killian family by visiting www.fry-gibbs.com