Debra Jean Bettencourt Bland was born February 19, 1956 to Simon Bettencourt and Beatrice Jinez in the Golden Triangle, which is also where she left her mortal body on July 7, 2024. She died at 68, an age we can all agree is much too soon. 

      The greatest measure of Debbie’s life was her love.

      Debbie loved God, and leaned on Him. Even in the most trying times, she relied on and gave thanks to Him for all the blessings in her life. God was her hope, and she was a hopeful woman.

      Debbie loved a good time. She loved going out to eat with friends, playing games, and cracking dirty jokes. Her infectious smile and laughter could be heard at restaurants and local bars around Port Arthur-like the Boudain Hut, where she was loved and admired by all.

      Ms. Debbie loved most people; for instance, she regularly talked warmly with strangers anywhere she had to wait in line. This quality made her excel at customer service. Everywhere she worked, Debbie gathered a gaggle of friends that she carried with her through life; most especially the women at Southwestern Bell/AT&T, where she worked for 30 years.

      Debra Jean loved and missed her father, who also passed away much too soon. She loved her mother, and stayed a steadfast daughter until her passing, much later.

      Hagatha (as they call each other), loved her older sister Jo Evelyn and younger sister Kathy fiercely, a bond that is only made through surviving a turbulent childhood. They spent countless hours together while they each raised two daughters of their own - a family of loud, cackling women. Aunt Debbie would become the heart of the family, the late night call for anyone that needed an ear and advice, the home away from home.

      Mom’s greatest love, though, was saved for her two girls, Kelli and Kassi, and Kassi’s children. Motherhood did not come easy to her, as she was not given the mother she deserved. Despite the pain she endured, she worked hard to give her daughters the kind of love she wished for, while trying to heal her past. 

      Mama Bland was also a refuge for her daughters’ friends growing up, many of whom called her their second mom.

      And Yu-yu was a terrific grandmother to her grandbabies. She could not get enough of their smiles, hugs, and kisses, and they loved her back in full measure. There is nothing that pleased her more than a full house of her family.

      Many plans were made for good times together in the future. But Mama also loved her freedom. She was a stubborn woman and she moved at her own pace. Now she is free, forever, without pain and sorrow. The large community she created will love and miss her as long as we breathe.

       Those left to cherish Debbie's memory include her daughters, Kelli Bland and her partner, Chris Owen of Austin, Texas., and Kassi Snider and her husband, Travis of Cleburne, Texas.; grandchildren, Camden, Avery, Emmett and Hazel; sisters, Jodi Hill and Kathy Chapman and her husband, Don; nieces, Lexie, Courtney, Ashleigh and Brittany; as well as other extended family and countless friends that Debbie dearly loved as her own family.

       Debbie is preceded in death by her parents, Simon and Beatrice Bettencourt.

       Bon Voyage Debbie - we know you’ll be keeping all of Heaven on its toes!

      A gathering of family and friends will be held at Melancon~Levingston Funeral Home in Nederland, Texas on Saturday, September 14, 2024 beginning at 1:00pm with a memorial service to begin at 2:00pm.