Debra Jeanne Manuel

Debra “Debbie” Jeanne Manuel, 64, a resident of Portland, Texas since 1992, passed away Friday, May 15, 2026, while on her last cruise with her beloved husband. Debbie was born March 1, 1962, in Taft, Texas, to Charles “Buddy” Hamilton and Roilyn Hamilton.

She married her high school sweetheart, Jim Manuel, on August 3, 1980. Jim was her best friend and other half, and they have been together for 48 years. They soon welcomed their only daughter, Melissa Nicole “Nikki”, on March 7, 1981. Nikki was the apple of Debbie’s eye, and later made Debbie’s life even more complete with grandchildren Cameron and Cassidy. Those two were her “babies”, and she was their beloved “Mimi”.

Debbie loved spending time with her family, seeing her babies every week and always spending holidays together. She especially loved going on cruises — her happy place. If she could have lived on a cruise ship, she would have. She went on 29 cruises all over the Caribbean, as well as around the United States with Jim. Debbie always shared her "first fruity drink of the cruise" picture with a huge smile. She loved having a good time with friends, including their motorcycle days and local rides. She had the most beautiful singing voice, and made the most delicious salsa, which she was quite famous for. Debbie was a lifelong reader and lover of books. You could always count on her to have a Danielle Steele or JD Robb novel on hand. Her toes were always painted her signature red or hot pink, and you could only find her in flip-flops. She spent almost 30 years at Linebarger working a successful job she loved as a legal secretary.

She was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her husband of 45 years, Jim; daughter Nikki (Jeff) Gordon; grandchildren Cameron and Cassidy; sisters Denise Pizzini (Clayton) and Donna Wendland (Danny); sister-in-law Brenda Garza (John); brother-in-laws Rick Manuel (Crystal) and Allen Manuel (Brenda); numerous nieces and nephews as well as many great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends. Debbie will be remembered for her laughter, her love for family, and the joy she brought wherever she went.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home in Aransas Pass, Texas.