Debbie “Debo” Linda Howard: 1956-2025

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Debbie “Debo” Linda Howard passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025. She was 69 years old. Debbie was born in Riverside, California to Dorthy and Herman Fordham.

As a young child, Debbie moved to Vicksburg, Miss. where she later graduated from Warren Central High School. She then continued her education for trade and welding at Hinds Community College. Debbie traveled a lot, but followed her heart back home and hung her hat back in Mississippi.

Debbie was a loving mother to her 2 sons who gained their wings at birth, Lennie and Christopher Lawrence, and her 2 daughters, Dawn Davis and Crystal Stacy. Debbie described her two daughters to be her pride and joy, but also the reason for all her grey hair. Debbie continued to guide her children in their adult life with the wisdom she gained from her own journey in life.

Debbie married William “Casey” Howard in 2005. They were together for over 30 years and their relationship was such a true and untouchable bond. Debbie was always true to who she was no matter what. You could call her when you didn’t know what to do and she always gave you a straight forward, honest answer that you needed. Debbie was a blast, life of the party personality, and most importantly she was always there to give you the warmest hug you needed at the end of the day.

Debbie loved animals, especially her animals. She loved to feed deer right there in her front yard. She treated every animal as they were her own. Her dog, Cujo who she called her baby and treated as nothing less than, will forever have a big piece of her heart. Debbie had and will always have a special place in many lives and gained many names. Forever in our hearts Debbie, Debo, Momma & Granny.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband Casey Howard, Daughter, Dawn & Frankie Davis (IN), Daughter, Crystal & Shawn Stacey (VA), Granddaughter’s, Brooke Sims (IN), Malayka Davis (IN), Paris, Felicia, Therrin and Kindle Stacey (VA). Grandson’s Dalton Roberts (IN), Landon Sims (IN), Justin Davis (IN), Shawn Jr. Stacey (VA), Chris Battle (VA), Akeem Nicklen (VA), and her 7 Great Grand Kids Montana, Krue, Layla, Emma, Axel, Theo and Ki.

Debbie was proceeded in death by her two sons Lennie Ray and Christopher Lawrence, her parents Dorthy and Herman Fordham, sisters Ann Davidson and Bonnie Jennings, and one grandson Kevin Davis.

“Mom, we will miss you immensely. You were our go to when life got rough. You were our sanity in this crazy world and our comfort when we needed clarity. You were always someone we could call and you were a straight shooter, without judgment. You always gave effort and never stopped fighting. Mom, because of you we have the hearts of lions, the love of our family, and an insane work ethic”.

Special thanks to Renee Brower and Family. Renee has been the light for us in the dark!

Services will be held on at 3 p.m. on Monday, March 31 at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Avenue in Vicksburg. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the hour of service. Interment will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

The Vicksburg Daily News publishes obituaries free of charge. Please submit obituaries to info@vicksburgnews.com.