Minister Debra Ann Gamble-Toler

Debra Ann Gamble-Toler, 66, passed away Friday, April 4th, 2025. Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, April 17th, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. James Baptist Church. Private Disposition will follow under the direction of Griffin Mortuary. Visitations will be held Wednesday, April 16th, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Griffin Mortuary. Born on October 7th, 1958, in Lubbock, Texas, to the late Katie M. and Lisbon A. Hughes Jr, Debra graduated from Estacado High School, where she left track records that moved mountains. She obtained her CDL License and dedicated many years to the city and local school system as a bus driver.

Debra was a truly special person, one of a kind. She was known for her straightforwardness, living life on her own terms, and her unique spirit. Debra always maintained a positive attitude and a great sense of humor, even until the end. She had an impeccable and distinctive style, taking fashion cues from no one. Some of her happiest moments were those spent with family and friends.

Debra would want us to know that her work here is complete. She received an offer she couldn’t refuse for an appointment from which she won’t be returning. This new assignment includes a significant sign-on bonus and a reunion with family and friends she has longed to see. She has been welcomed by her Heavenly Father and His son, Jesus Christ, where she will sing and praise forevermore. Her beauty lives on through all of us, and we will forever adore and remember her, standing taller and stronger knowing she is watching over us.

Debra was incredibly proud of becoming an ordained minister on Sunday, July 16th, 2023. Having given her life to Christ early on, she was a faithful member and minister at Greater Saint James Baptist Church. Debra loved the Lord deeply and could recite the Bible from beginning to end. She always shared the joy she found in Jesus Christ with anyone who would listen.

Debra's memory will live on in the hearts of many. She is survived by her husband, Ronnie Toler, whom she married on September 24th, 2017; her sister, Sabrina D. McKinzie (Richie) of Lubbock, Texas; her nieces and nephew, Jasmyne LaFlame Hughes, Sha’Quess LaGayle. Conley, and Tony RaSean Conley; great-nieces Ja’Syiah & Ja’Kyiah Washington and Ja’Kaelyn Hughes; her bonus son Corey Conner; and bonus daughters Andrea Wilson (Tyson) and Chelsea Byrd. She also leaves behind bonus grandchildren Tiandra Walton, Andre Johnson, and Chamayne Johnsonn Jr. Jau'Vauni Byrd, as well as numerous extended family members and friends.