Deborah Diane Minnard was the youngest of 13 children born to the late Shelton Broussard, Sr. and Ophelia Williams on September 10, 1955 in Orange, TX.  She was educated in the Orange public school system and a proud graduate of the West Orange High School Class of 1974. Deborah attended Lamar University in Beaumont, TX majoring in Speech. Her dream was to work with special needs children utilizing her sign language skills to connect and communicate with them.

Deb, as she was called by her family and friends, met the love of her life, Melvin Minnard, Jr., while attending Lamar University. They were married on June 29, 1975 and together they raised two beautiful children: Cory and Julian.

Deborah began her professional career as a bank teller at Lamar State Bank in Beaumont, TX. She later became employed by the United States Postal Service where she worked tirelessly for 33 years. Deborah was a faithful and dedicated employee known for her selflessness and strong work ethic.

Deb was reared in a Christian home and accepted Christ at an early age.  She was a member of Starlight Missionary Baptist Church in Orange, TX; East Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Beaumont, TX; and Borden Chapel Baptist Church in Beaumont, TX. After relocating to Plano, TX with her family, she attended Friendship Baptist Church of The Colony located in The Colony, TX where she was actively involved in the Children's Ministry. Deborah was also an active member at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church where she labored devotedly in numerous ministries. She was an integral part of the Shiloh Hands of Unity Team (S.H.O.U.T.) Hospitality Ministry where her infectious smile and laugh welcomed all who entered Shiloh's doors. Deborah also used her gifts in the choir, the children's ministry, Shiloh's annual scholarship event for graduating seniors, as well as working several committees to enhance and support the church.

Deborah was a woman with a huge heart full of love for her family and friends. She was quick to give to anyone in need but did so with a spirit of humility. She was a woman of truth who would not hesitate to put you in check when you got out of line. A chef in her own right, Deborah enjoyed cooking and baking dishes that would make your mouth water for more. Deborah was the definition of class. Everything she did was done with a spirit of excellence. She loved entertaining guests in her home and planning special gatherings. She had a creative hand that could turn average into extraordinary with minimal effort. Above all, Deborah was a God-fearing woman completely committed to serving Jesus Christ and telling anyone she came in contact with about her Savior.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Shelton Broussard, Sr. and Ophelia Broussard; her son, Cory Minnard; two brothers, Shelton Broussard, Jr., and James Broussard; and three sisters, Shirley Broussard Bradley, Artis Broussard Teate, and Katie Broussard Tims.

Deborah leaves to cherish and celebrate her memory, a loving and devoted husband of 43 years, Melvin Minnard, Jr.; one son, Julian Minnard of Plano, TX; one grandson, Grayson James Minnard of Plano, TX ; three brothers, Jimmy Broussard of Carson, CA; Freddy Broussard (Ola) and Henry Broussard (Debra) of Orange, TX; three sisters, Lillie Haynes (Warren) of Beaumont, TX; Bettie Curtis of Orange, TX, and Claudette Anderson (Nolan Jr.) of San Antonio, TX; two godchildren, Tiffany Thomas (Louis, IV) of Cincinnati, OH, and Tyler Meeks of Plano, TX; her confidante, friend and special niece Angela Haynes of Mesquite, TX  who was by her side to the very end, and a host of other nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made

i n the name of  Deborah Diane Broussard Minnard to:

American Stroke Association 7272 Greenville Ave | Dallas, TX 75231 www.heart.org / 1.800.AHA.USA1

or

American Diabetes Association, 2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 900| Arlington, VA 22202 www.donations.diabetes.org / 1-800-DIABETES