It is with heavy hearts that the Kowalski family announces the death of Debra Simmons Kowalski, most beloved wife, mother, and daughter. She was taken from this earth heartbreakingly on Friday, July 8th. Born October 9th, 1958 in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, she was the first daughter to James & Germaine Simmons. A dynamic personality, she was so full of life that it cannot be imagined without her.

After her first love, her family, Debbie’s joys in life encompassed cooking, gardening, riding horses, creating memories with her amazing friends, and caring for her rescue dogs. She was also a gifted career woman, studying business, researching in marine biology and geology, and working in research and development in blood diagnostics.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Germaine Simmons, her brother, Howard Simmons, and her sister, Michelle Tharpe. She is survived by her loving husband of 35 years, Ed Kowalski, her two sons, Tucker Kowalski (Allyson Burkett) and James Kowalski (Melissa), and her father, James Simmons.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, July 15th at 11:00am at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Oxford, North Carolina, followed by a reception in the parish hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to “Old North Canine Rescue” in care of Sherry Owens (125 Pine Cone Drive, Oxford, NC 27565), or a charity of choice.