In Loving Memory of

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Life’s Journey

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth
there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge,
shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his
appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Debbra Lynn Marks was born February 22, 1964, in DeRidder, LA to Nevis Marks Sr. and Mae
Ella Marks of Tylertown, Mississippi. She was the seventh child from their union. She was
affectionately known to many family, and friends as Dee, Debo, and Nana. Debbra married her
husband, Reginald Shanks in Houston, Texas. In this union two children were born, Jennifer and Rebecca.
Debbra accepted The Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized at Life Tabernacle in Houston Texas
where the late Reverend James Kilgore presided as senior pastor. A few years later, Reginald
and Debbra moved their membership to the Christian Tabernacle, known as Inspire Church
Houston under the leadership of Dr. Richard Heard.
Debbra graduated from Franklinton High School in 1982 and continued her education
graduating from technical college where she studied business courses which would later give
her a career in finance as a bookkeeper and treasurer in Corporate America. She worked for a
small family-owned business as a bookkeeper. Soon afterward, she landed her dream job at
Sonat as a lead treasury analyst. She loved working at Sonat and was successful in her role.
Later Sonat was purchased by El Paso where she worked and later would work for KBR. She
was respected in her craft.

Debbra loved her family. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She often said her oldest
child was funny like her late sister, Karen. Both of their daughters had a sense of humor she
enjoyed. She enjoyed spending time with her precious grandson, Landon. She also enjoyed
talking and laughing with her siblings, nieces, nephews, aunt and cousins. She had a unique
relationship with them all and she will be missed, leaving a void in their lives that only God can
heal. She was special and loved by all who loved her.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Nevis Marks, Sr. and Mae Ella Marks; two brothers:
Larry Marks, Nevis Marks, Jr., sister: Karen M. Pleasant. She leaves to cherish her memories,
devoted husband of 41 years, Reginald Shanks; two daughters: Jennifer Shanks of Missouri
City, TX, Rebecca Shanks of Houston, TX; one grandson, Landon Senegal of Missouri City, TX;
two sisters, Willinda M. Burkhalter of Missouri City, TX, Alisa Marks of Houston, TX; four
brothers, Louis (Eva) Marks of Houston, TX, Ricky (Sharon) Marks of Mt. Hermon, LA, Marvin
Marks of Franklinton, LA, Keith (Shonta) Marks of Fresno, TX; mother-in-law, Mattie L. Shanks
of Franklinton, LA; sisters in laws, Esther Magee and Mary Jackson of Franklinton, LA, Lillie
Miller of Las Vegas, NV, Brenda Shanks of Denham Springs, LA; two brothers-in-law, Julius
Shanks, Jr. of Franklinton, LA and Edward (Marsha) Shanks of Denham Springs, LA; one aunt,
Essie M. Foster of Houston, TX and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death,
neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelations
21:4