Debra Ann came into the world on a cool, sunny autumn day in Amarillo on November 4, 1967. She spent the next 58 years doing exactly what she was born to do—brightening up everyone’s day with her huge smile, her incredibly bubbly energy, and that natural charm that drew people right to her. She was simply impossible not to love. Early in the morning on June 23, 2026, our sweet mom passed away unexpectedly, leaving our world is a little less bright, but our hearts so full of her memory.

She has been beautifully reunited in eternity with her cherished grandson, Jaime Anthony Jara, and many other loved ones.

On November 4, 2017, she married her loving husband, Casey Reuben Diaz. Together, they built a life rooted in deep devotion, and she leaves him behind to carry her memory forward. She was a mother to five beautiful children, and each one held a unique, irreplaceable piece of her heart. She loved deeply and believed in a strong family connection which she passed onto her children. They learned to love deeply and intensely from their mother, who always instilled in them to remain connected and never allow anything to break them apart.

Her immense love ripples through the generations she leaves behind.

She is survived by her parents, Andy and Diana Velasquez, and Rosa and Terrence Ambler. She was a loving sister to her brothers, Alex Velasquez (Patricia), Mark Velasquez, Michael Velasquez (Diana), Chad Velasquez (Jovita), Eli Velasquez (Angella), and Jeremiah Velasquez, as well as her sister, Tiyanna Ambler. She was also a loving aunt to all of her beautiful nieces and nephews.

Her legacy lives on brightly through her children and their partners: John Israel Martinez Sr. (Stephanie), Laura Renee Martinez-Jara (Mario Sr.), Arlene Marie Martinez-Escobedo (Emanuel), John David Martinez Jr. (Kimberly), and Joey James Martinez (Laura).

She adored her 18 grandchildren more than anything in the world: Mia (Tresean), John Jr., Angelo Martinez, Mario Jr., Israel, Isela Jara, Nathaniel Serna (Mariah), Heaven Garcia, Carlos Martinez, Javier Mendiola III, Julian Jimenez Jr., Khloe, Karlie, Adan Martinez, Aria, Isabella, and Roman Martinez.

She was also blessed with three great-grandchildren who brought her endless joy: Emiliana Vega, Analaya, and Elayna Monroe. She also leaves behind a precious new great-grandson on the way—a baby boy whom his grandma was so incredibly excited to welcome into the world.

To hold such a large family, she was given a massive heart—one completely full of joy, love, forgiveness, and happiness. She loved decorating for every holiday and knew exactly how to make her house feel like a home, full of love, warmth, and happiness. She loved decorating inside and outside her home with her grandbabies. They always looked forward to spending this time with their grandma, baking cookies, watching holiday films, and decorating. Although her favorite holiday was Halloween, she would go all out for every single holiday.

She lived life to the fullest, whether she was trying her luck at the casinos with her husband and family, collecting her favorite Betty Boop memorabilia, or cheering loudly for the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Longhorns, and San Antonio Spurs. Her home was a true sanctuary of hospitality; she welcomed everyone through her doors, and the moment she met you, you were immediately loved and considered family.