Debra Lee Brewer

At the end of the day, I’m at peace because my intentions are good and my heart is pure. - Buddha

Debra Lee Brewer, known to those closest to her as Debi or “Lady”, passed away Tuesday, July 8th, 2025. She died peacefully at home with her children and best friend. 

She was born October 2nd, 1960 in Huntington Park, California. At 17, Debi joined the US Air Force in Denver, Colorado. She worked in missile and munitions and then ultimately became an explosives safety expert. Her service took her all over the world including Holland, Turkey, Germany, and New Mexico. Debi had a life-long passion for learning and, while in the service, she earned a BA in History from UMGC Europe. 

While stationed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Debi retired honorably from the USAF after 20 years of service. She continued to work for Kirtland AFB in weapons safety before ultimately leaving government work to pursue education.  

Debi was brought to the Johnson City/Kingsport area of Tennessee in 2003 where she attended the Emmanuel School of Religion and received a Masters in Divinity. Debi spent a number of years working closely with the VA in Johnson City as a Chaplain. She became a prominent member of the community, leading grief and addiction groups for a number of years while collaborating with local organizations to create and provide supporting curriculum. She was also a guest lecturer at East Tennessee State University. 

Her journey through life led her to explore many different types of faith where she felt a strong connection to Buddhism. She worked closely with the Dharma Center in Johnson City and shared her skills and passion with the Buddhist community. 

Debi was an inspiring woman with an insatiable appetite for knowledge and expanding her world view. She loved to travel and discover new experiences and spent much of her energy seeking to understand the history of places. She shared these traits with her children, Billy and Genny, who spent their childhood being global travellers and students of the world.

Debi is survived by her children William Morris and Geneva Louise. Her love and devotion to her community will be remembered by many, especially by the veterans with whom she worked (“her people” as she called them).