Debbie died tragically on her way home from work. Her killer was a driver under the influence of alcohol leaving a wedding venue after being served despite being under the legal age. (This driver had one previous arrest for DUI as well. ) Debbie grew up in Ft. Worth and began her career as a hairstylist and makeup artist. She came to OKC in 1976 and continued her 40-year career as a master cosmetologist and makeup up artist in various capacities encompassing theatre arts in both the lyric and civic theatre communities as well as owning her own shop. Debbie earned a BA degree from UCO, graduating in 2008 and subsequently taught theatre courses there. She loved her family, friends, and all animals, but most of all, she loved the Lord. Her family established the Debra Papajohn Reed Scholarship at UCO in her honor.