Debra Jean Holloway was born on March 16, 1949, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Walter Lee Jr. and Elestine Holloway. She was the first of their four children. As a child, Debra enjoyed going on family trips and being spoiled by her daddy.
In 1967, Debra Jean graduated from Washington High School and enrolled in nursing school in the fall. In nursing school, Debra met her former husband Marshall L. Hutcherson, they were married for four years. Debra graduated with honors from Milwaukee Area Technical College with an associate degree.
Debra Jean was career minded and worked for Baldwin Realty, which merged with United Realty where she worked alongside her aunt Emma Nell for 14 years. She would go on to obtain her real estate license during that time.
In 1981, Debra Jean met her next-door neighbor Stanley (Stan) Eugene Armour. Debra and Stan became parents to a baby girl named Erin Geneva on April 6, 1982. Erin became Debra’s whole world. Debra was a devoted mother to her daughter; she worked so hard to provide a stable and loving life for Erin. Debra started a new career with the US Postal Service, where she would retire after 25 years. At the Post Office, she made some lasting connections with some magnificent friends.
In retirement, Debra Jean spent her days traveling nationally and internationally with her daughter and her younger brother Steven, watching movies, listening to music, playing bingo, and lunching with friends. She genuinely enjoyed the freedom of travel and always had a puzzle book nearby.
Debra departed this life on Monday, May 13, 2024. She is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Elestine Holloway, her sister, Beverly Kunda and sister-in-law Claudette Holloway, aunts, uncles, cousins, and her former husband.
Debra is survived by her daughter Erin (Chandler) Benn, her brothers, Richard Holloway, Steven (Wendy) Holloway, brother-in-law Michael Kunda, as well as a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, great-nephews, cousins, and friends who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.
As Debra’s favorite artist, Prince once said “Dearly beloved / We are gathered here today / To get through this thing called “life” / Electric word, life / It means forever, and that’s a mighty long time / But I’m here to tell there’s something else; / The afterworld / A world of never ending happiness…”
There will be a Celebration of Life gathering on Saturday, July 13, 2024. More details will be shared, once finalized.
The family asks in lieu of flowers and plants, please consider a donation to one of the following in memory of Debra Jean:
National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc., American Diabetes Association, or American Heart Association.
