Debra Jean Higgins, age 65, of Mantachie, MS, passed away on Friday, February 13, 2026 at the NMMC- Tupelo, MS. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 2:00pm from the Otts Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow in the Wofford Cemetery. Rev. Joseph Kennedy to officiate the services. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday from 1:00pm until service time at 2:00pm.

Pallbearers: Andrew Palmer, Jordan Smith, Garrett Smith

Debra was born July 29th, 1960 in Sulligent, AL to the late Cecil Dozier and Tollie Johnson McCullar (Delbert McCullar). She attended school in Amory School District before graduating from cosmetology school at Creations in Tupelo, MS.  Debra was the type of person that she succeeded at everything she put her mind to. If she didn't know how to do something, she taught herself how to do it. She ran the McCullar Grocery Store in Cason, MS while simultaneously running her salon. Later she opened a successful tanning salon and revamped the pool hall in Amory to be a family orientated place for families and children. She ran a successful furniture store before attaining her CDL's and becoming a school bus driver for Nettleton School District. She enjoyed making and refurbishing furniture, decorating for events, and became a wonderful florist that enjoyed making beautiful arrangements for all of her friends and family. She was a devoted daughter, sister, mother, and grandmother. She loved all children immensely and made sure any person that needed to be taken care of was.

Debra never realized how impactful her life was to everyone or how her strength and resilience was revered by the people around her. She held such and adoration for her children and grandchildren that they all considered her the strongest person in their lives and that anyone that met her was fortunate to know the best Mama and Nana that ever lived.

Survived By:

Daughters: Alisha Britt (Jason), Pontotoc, MS

Amanda Caldwell, Mantachie, MS

Brother: Michail Abbott (Denna), Hamilton, MS

Grandchildren: Jordan Smith, Andrew Palmer,

Garrett Smith, Grace Smith, Emma Caldwell,

Lily Caldwell, Saylor Britt, Taylor(Gary) Griffin, Jenna Britt

Great Grandchildren: Jameson, Kolsten, Lukas

Preceded In Death By:

Parents: Tollie and Delbert McCullar

Brother: Randy Abbott

Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at: www.ottsfuneralhome.net

Otts Funeral Home

Sulligent, AL, Directing