Debra Kay O'Brien

Debra Kay O’Brien, born December 1st, 1951 on East River Mountain in Bluefield, West Virginia, passed away surrounded by family on March 9th, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. She was 70 years old.

Deb had a passionate, nearly life long love affair with Pepsi, coffee and menthol cigarettes. While her favorite color was yellow, it was red that was always her nail color of choice.

Move over Paula Dean, Deb has entered the kitchen. She was an amazing cook who loved to prepare large meals for family gatherings and holidays. Whether it was homemade biscuits and gravy for breakfast, cream puff for dessert or her massive assortment of homemade Christmas cookies and candies, her love for cooking not only filled bellies but warmed hearts, soothed souls and nourished the sick.

Deb was a naturally gifted singer who was always ready to put on a show. If there were music and a microphone, (spot light optional) it was showtime. You could find her at the local karaoke bar, family gatherings or just in the kitchen singing everything from classic country to rock in roll to gospel hymns. Her raspy, twangy, alto voice won numerous karaoke contests and sung sweet lullabies to generations of family children.

Deb was proud of her down home roots and loved her West Virginia heritage. She often reminisced about “the old days” and eagerly shared family stories and memories that originated in the holler and hills of back home.
Whenever possible she’d let the country roads lead her home, to the place where she belonged. She was always excited to be around family and never seemed to be in a hurry to leave when she got the chance to visit.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Margaret Rosetta and Morton Lacy Cannaday, her daughter, Lori Kay Crawford and son, Gary Roger Crawford Jr. She is survived by her grandchildren, Laci Kay Walker, Jordyn Kay Crawford, Ciera Rein Crawford, Hailey Nichole Crawford; siblings Billy (Becky) Cannaday, Kathy (Adam) Monroe, Jerry (Karen) Cannaday, Tony (Kim) Cannaday and numerous great grandchildren, nieces and nephews who she loved and they adored and loved her in return.

A memorial service for family will be held on SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2022 at First Calvary Enterprise Baptist Church, 2425 Midland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43223. Doors will open at 10am, memorial at 11am.  Burial will follow at Obetz Cemetery.

Please visit www.tiddfuneralservice.com to share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to the family.

Tidd Family Funeral Home, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH 43026 (614)-876-1722 assisted the family.