A Tribute to Debra Lookabill

I met Ms. Lookabill 10 years ago at a provider meeting. I had stepped outside for some air and found her out there taking a break as well. She had taken a pause in the meeting that had perhaps gotten a little intense. I was immediately taken with her charm and dry wit. I doubt she even remembered that first time we met.

Ms. Debra was to say the least, a refreshing shot in the arm of enthusiasm and humor. If nothing else, she was entertaining and engaging – even if you disagreed with her. And disagree she and I did, on many occasions. But that was ok. While we disagreed, she valued my opinion. And that is the thing about Ms. Debra, she made everyone feel valued.

Ms. Debra put together an advisory committee for providers of DFCS services. During a statewide provider meeting, when she asked the committee members to stand, she walked over to me and said, “And why aren’t you standing?” I said back to her “Am I on the committee?” She said, “you are now.” So, I stood up. When Ms. Debra told you to do something, you did it.

I took her “request” to be on the advisory committee to heart and began to actively participate in anything Ms. Debra asked of me. And I am so grateful for that experience because I got to know her better. And Ms. Debra was one of those “once in a lifetime kind of people”.  God broke the mold after He made her. And He didn’t just break it, He smashed it to smithereens. There will never be another Debra Lookabill, and I am so very thankful for the time I had with her.

Ms. Debra listened to everyone with something to say.  She gave providers a voice, but also DFCS workers and most importantly – the families we all serve. She never lost sight of the purpose for our work – the children and families of Georgia who needed our services. And because of that, Ms. Debra was able to accomplish great things, seemingly impossible before she stepped in.

Since she passed, there have been several times where I think “I need to call Debra about this.” And then am hit with the sad reality that I won’t hear the words “This is Ms. Lookabill” ever again. I know the entire state of Georgia feels that same loss, but especially the amazing team she built. It’s gonna be tough to carry on without her, but we must keep carrying the torch she entrusted to us.

Ms. Debra left us with some words of wisdom. The tagline on her emails was “If serving others is beneath you then leadership is beyond you!” And she truly meant it.

 And after she passed, I searched for her Facebook page, to see if there were any notifications about a service for her. What I found on her page made me smile. Her cover page was a colorful background with the words “You are amazing, remember that!” Sooo Debra.