Debra "Debbie" Ann Ford was born on May 14, 1956, in Bakersfield, California, to Eulas Chester "Skinny" and Pearl Lee Ford. Debbie left this earth in the presence of family for her heavenly home on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the age of 69, in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

The youngest child of Skinny and Pearl, Debbie moved with her family to Stigler, Oklahoma, and graduated from Stigler High School in 1974.

Debbie was a proud parent to her son, Christopher Charles Fields, of the home, and was beloved as a daughter, caring sister, doting aunt, cousin, godmother, and loyal lifelong friend to countless others.

Debbie was fiercely independent, intelligent, giving and was the embodiment of entrepreneurial spirit. From humble beginnings including: gift‑wrapping at a local mall, working craft fairs on weekends, and partnering in a tea room and antique shop, to owning a women's boutique, and an infamous western outfitter, along with numerous other endeavors, Debbie built a successful business career that culminated in the founding of Choctaw Diversified, LLC—a woman‑owned, Native American, 8(a) federally certified business. She grew Choctaw Diversified across multiple states, serving private businesses as well as government and military institutions. Known to colleagues and employees as "Chief Debbie," she oversaw tens of millions of dollars in contracts and revenue. Among her many accolades recognizing her hard work and tenacity were the 2008 Minority Small Business of the Year Award at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX, and the Small Business Administration's "Oklahoma Outstanding Small Business" honor.

Debbie generously gave her time and resources to numerous causes, including serving on the boards of the ACMI House Women's Shelter and Southwestern Youth Resource, Inc.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, John and Gwendolyn.

A celebration of life will be held for Debbie at Craddock Funeral Home, located in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Thursday, February 5th at 11 AM.