Debra L. "Debbie" Burns

Debra L. "Debbie" Burns, age 63 of Battle Creek passed away peacefully on Monday evening, February 24, 2025 at the Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo with her son and daughter by her side. Debbie had been fighting illnesses for a while, but she fought to the end. She was born in Battle Creek on November 23, 1961, the loving daughter of George S. and Betty Lou (LaForce) Robirds and graduated from Lakeview High School. Debbie served at many areas restaurants for more than 45 years. Also known as “Lil Debbie” or “Mama Debbie”, Debbie also had her own candle business, Little Debbie Candles. 

Debbie is survived by her children, Crystal Drake and Michael Drake, both of Battle Creek; her grandchildren, Savannah, Kloey, Alivia, and Greysen; her brother, George M. (Lorraine) Robirds; her sister, Tina (Mark) Sackett; her uncle, Richard (Mardi) La Force; and several nieces & nephews. She was sadly preceded in death by her parents; her grandparents, Nettie & Richard LaForce; and two sisters, Sheri Robirds and Cindy Petersen. Although she only had 2 biological kids, she had a lot of "work kids" and her kids’ friends often looked at her as a second mom.

Debbie had an incredibly loving & giving heart. She enjoyed making candles and all kinds of baked goods. Debbie enjoyed making her coworkers their favorite cake on their birthday. She loved her craft sales and loved making her puppy chow during craft season. Debbie was well known for her amazing chocolate chip cookies and her Little Debbie Candles. 

Debbie was loving and devoted mom, Nana, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She was always there for her kids, family and friends. There were many times Debbie sacrificed things she wanted or needed, just so her kids or grandkids could have what they needed. She loved spoiling her four grandchildren, Kloey, Savannah, Alivia, and Greysen. She loved baking cookies with them, and taking them on her daily trips to Walmart, Walgreens, or sometimes Target. Debbie was hard-working, and devoted to being the best she could every day. She will be greatly missed!!

The family will receive friends 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, March 2, 2025 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care, Battle Creek where services to celebrate her life will be held 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 3, 2025. Interment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.