Debra Gail Merritt Howard, age 62 of Springfield died at her home on Thursday, April 12, 2018 in Springfield, Tennessee. She worked many years as a Hotel Manager for Red Roof Inn and was a member of the Everyday Church in Goodlettsville. She was born on November 14, 1955 in Knoxville, Tennessee to the late Ray Emmerson and Mary Lou Fields Merritt. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her sister, Rae Denise Craig.
Debra is survived by a daughter, Sarah Howard of Springfield; beloved nephew, Kendall (Mandi) Rutherford; sisters, Lisa Karen Rutherford of Union County, Tennessee, Lori Jan (Randy) Foust of Union County, Tennessee, Melanie LeAnn (Rick) Stanfield of Russellville, Kentucky, Maria Antoinette Gaddy of Knoxville, Tennessee; 10 nieces and two additional nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 6:00 pm on Sunday, April 15, 2018 in the chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Goodlettsville with Rev. Joseph Marlar officiating. Visitation with the family will be on Sunday from12:00 pm - 6:00 pm at the funeral home.