Debra Preisser “Debbie” Forbes – wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and teacher – has gone to be with her heavenly Father on February 12, 2016 in Lilburn, GA at the age of 59.  Debbie fought a long and courageous six and a half year battle with ovarian cancer.  She leaves behind her husband, Jim Forbes; her daughters, Courtney Forbes and Rachael Forbes; her sons, James Forbes, Andrew Forbes, Noah Forbes and Nathan Forbes; and her grandchildren, Ethan Forbes, Marley Forbes and Eleazar Forbes.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

Debbie was born on December 8, 1956 in Pensacola, Florida to father and mother, Ulric Firmin Preisser and Miriam Claire Pierce Preisser.  She grew up in a large, loving family with 3 sisters and one brother.  In college, she excelled in science and math as she pursued a degree in Marine Biology.  After a second chance meeting of her high school sweetheart, she left school to pursue her dream of being a wife and mother.

Debbie married Jim on December 15, 1979.  Debbie prided herself on being the best wife and mother she could be.  Though she was a full-time wife and mother, she still found time to teach.  She had a passion for teaching children.  She was a very hands on and used humor in her classroom.  Her students still speak highly of her to this day.

Debbie loved the beach, she was always happy with her toes in the sand.  Being a kid at heart, she loved Disney World.  She loved to travel and explore, Debbie loved living life to the fullest.  When not traveling, you could find her watching cooking shows, especially Chopped.  She loved to cook and try out new recipes for her family.  Debbie had a larger than life personality.  You could always find her laughing, singing, playing games, making funny faces and trying to embarrass her children.  To know her was to love her.  She never met a stranger.  Debbie loved to be a mom, but even more than that, loved to be a grandmother.  She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, reading them books and singing them songs.

Debbie was diagnosed with stage IIIb ovarian cancer in July 2009.  Being the strong woman that she was, she tackled the cancer head on.  She never let it hold her back.  She had strong faith in God that kept her going.  Her friends will tell you they never heard her complain and never heard her feel sorry for herself.  Her motto was “there is always someone who has it worse”.  Debbie was an incredible role model to her children.  She always put on a brave face.  Her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family and friends, kept her going throughout her long life.

Debbie requested to be cremated.  Please join us in celebrating the amazing life of Debbie at 11:00 a.m. on February 20, 2016 at Bethany Baptist Church – 2306 Bethany Church RD, Snellville, GA 30039 www.bethanysnellville.com.  The family will be receiving guests from 9:00 -11:00 A.M. immediately prior to the service on Saturday.  Georgia Cremation 3116 U.S. Highway 23, Duluth, GA 30096 (678)584-0914.  Condolences may be made or viewed by visiting www.GeorgiaCremation.com