Debra Collum Obituary

ROSSVILLE, TN/formerly of FULTON- Debra Diane Collum, 62, passed away Friday, October 24, 2025, at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born September 29, 1963 to the late Dr. Billy T. Collum and Barbara Jean Starcevich Collum in Tupelo. She graduated from Itawamba Agriculture High School in Fulton, MS in 1981 and West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas, receiving a BSN degree in nursing. Debra's nursing career found her traveling many places, St. Dominic's Hospital in Jackson, MS; Baldwin Health in Foley, AL; St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, and many other locations around the country as a travel nurse. Debra will be remembered for her outgoing personality and spontaneous generosity, often helping people who were in need or just down on their luck. She also loved all animals, especially Paso Fino horses. She loved rescuing, owning, and riding her Paso Finos and participated in many horse show events. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at Senter Funeral Home with Bro. Kenneth McKinney officiating. Burial will be in Benefield Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, November 1, at Senter Funeral Home. Senter Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Debra is survived by her mother, Barbara Jean Collum of Fulton; sisters, Billye Jean (John) Stroud of New Albany, Charlotte Collum of Nashville, Cynthia Finney of Madison, AL, and Barbara Jo Collum of Thompson Station, TN; her brothers James (Melinda) Collum of Madison, AL, and Mark (Stephanie) Collum of Saltillo. She is also remembered fondly by her dear partner, Bill Newby of Rossville, TN, with whom she shared a special bond. She was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Billy T. Collum, and her brothers, John Collum, Lesley Wayne Collum, and Phillip Charles Collum. Online condolences can be expressed at www.senterfuneraldirectors.com