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Obituary
Debra Sue Petri, affectionately known as Debbie, went home to be with the Lord and her sweet boy David on July 26th, 2025, in Brownstown, Michigan, at the age of 61. Born on January 8, 1964, on Grandma Stewart’s bed in Knox County, Kentucky. Debbie was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend, and servant.
Words cannot capture the depth of her caring, devoted soul. She lived a life of service, always putting others before herself, with fierce dedication to her family. At the center of her world was her husband and best friend Al. As childhood sweethearts, they were inseparable for 49 years sharing a life of love, laughter, and unwavering commitment. Their bond was unbreakable, and they endured through so much showing their family what true love is.
Debbie dedicated her life to helping others, serving as Executive Director for ChristNet Services Homeless Shelter for 15 years. Her passion for aiding the homeless and less fortunate was evident in her tireless work and compassionate spirit. She helped countless people recognize their worth, and shared the Lord unashamedly. Beyond her professional life, Debbie had loved exploring her family genealogy, admiring and raising butterflies, and taking pictures. She found joy in music and treasured every moment with her children and grandchildren. Proud of her Kentucky roots, she delighted in sharing stories of her heritage in Stinking Creek, Kentucky.
As a member of the Flat Rock Soroptimist Society, Debbie was committed to making a positive impact in her community. She is leaving behind a great legacy of love and service to many.
Debbie is preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Carrie Grubb, and her beloved son, David. She is survived by her endlessly devoted husband Al Petri III; her children, Jason (Melanie) Petri, Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Basim, and Erin (Robert) Stoner; and her cherished grandchildren, Brendan (Michaela) Ethan, Brianah, Nicholas, Brody, Caleb, Brayden, and Ella; and great-grandchildren, Bryce and Noelle. She will be dearly missed by her sisters, Bonnie (Jerry) Mills, and Patricia (Jay) Colunga, her brother Daniel (Andrea) Grubb, numerous family members, friends, and her best pup Rusty.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during visitation at Michigan Memorial Funeral Home on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Friday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. A service to celebrate Debbie’s life will be held on Friday, August 1, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by entombment at Michigan Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to ChristNet, continuing Debbie’s legacy of compassion and care for those in need. ChristNethomelessservices.org
Checks can be mailed to: ChristNet Services, 25275 Eureka Road, Taylor, MI
