Debra Jean Irby

Debra Jean Irby peacefully passed away at the age of 66 on Friday, April 2, 2021 while holding the hand of her loving and devoted husband, John Irby. Debra, known by most as Debi, was a lifelong Maryland resident and is survived by her husband, John Irby; her mother Inez Michael; her children Shana Lowry and Joey Khachab; her sister Donna Reedy; her brother Bruce Michael; and grandson Luke Lowry. She is predeceased by her father Henry Michael and brother Craig Michael. Debi was born on November 1, 1954 in Washington, DC and graduated from Bowie High School in Maryland. After high school, Debi began to learn and master Raqs Sharqi, the Arabic expressive dance, also known as belly dancing. Debi would eventually travel the world and became a world renown dancer. She frequently traveled and performed with her loyal and lifelong best friend Nancy Thomas. After traveling the world, Debi married Joseph Khachab and welcomed her son Joey and daughter Shana. Debi was a devoted and loyal mother to Joey and Shana. In 1999, she met and later married John Irby. Debi and John were inseparable from the first day they met. Debi lived her life the right way; a caring, warm and loving person that would always be there for you if you were fortunate enough to have known her. She recognized the good in people and made you a better person after being around her. She was another mother, sister, and friend to so many people throughout her life, especially caring for friends of her children. She was always there if you needed someone to talk about life’s issues, advice, or a just a shoulder to cry upon. She had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. She would encourage you to pursue your passion in life, understand what is truly important, take chances, and live life with compassion for others. She truly cared for people and her life’s actions showed that. Debi, a uniquely artistic and creative person, was known to write you a poem, draw you a meaningful picture, or spend hours making a gift solely dedicated to you. If you knew Debi, your heart is broken today because you knew how much of a good, caring, and loyal person she was and will forever miss her beautiful smile, contagious laugh, gentle spirit and positive and uplifting view of life and people. Debi will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her. A celebration service of Debi’s life is scheduled for Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 11:00am – 1:00pm at the Mid Atlantic Community Church (MACC) located at 2485 Davidsonville Road, Gambrills, Maryland 21054. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the MACC. https://themacc.org/give

Debra Jean Irby

November 1, 1954 - April 2, 2021