With profound sadness and unwavering hope in the promises of Christ, we announce the passing of Debra Ann (Faust) Jacobus, who entered the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 24, 2026, at the age of 73.

Debi’s life began in Fairborn, Ohio. She was the second-born daughter of Roger and Nelda (VanPelt) Faust. Debi was an excellent sister to Karyl, Steve, Sheri, and Molly, always making room in her life for each of them. Debi excelled at many things and became such an accomplished seamstress that she designed and made her own wedding gown from the cover of the 1970 Modern Bride magazine. Debi married Daniel Jacobus on March 12, 1972.

Debi’s greatest joy and highest calling was her family. While she faithfully served in many roles throughout her life, her favorite title was “Mom” and “Grammy.” She was the devoted mother of five children, the proud grandmother of eleven grandchildren, and was recently blessed to become the great-grandmother of a precious baby girl, the first of a new generation. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. Whether cheering from the stands at track meets and ball games, applauding at school plays, hosting unforgettable “Grammy Camp,” or baking homemade apple pies in the kitchen, Grammy made every moment feel special. 

Debi was known by all who loved her for her servant’s heart. She lived out her faith every single day, not only through her words but through her actions. Even after illness stole her ability to communicate, her unwavering faith in Jesus remained undeniable, shining through her gentle, ever-joyful spirit.Her love for the Lord guided every area of her life. She faithfully served her church through Bible studies, small groups, children’s ministry, and mentoring young mothers. She also poured her heart into the church’s bereavement ministry, where she created an annual Celebration of Life service to honor those who had gone home to be with the Lord. Her compassionate vision became a model that many other churches would later adopt, extending comfort and hope to countless grieving families.

Debi’s passion for sharing the love of Christ reached far beyond her own community. She participated in international mission trips to the Philippines, England, and Romania, always eager to serve others and share God’s love wherever He called her.

As a professional school secretary and later a national ministry administrator, Debi joyfully attended to the needs of everyone around her. Just like flowers in her gardens, everything and everyone flourished under Debi’s care. As hobbies, she enjoyed traveling with family and friends, watching hot-air balloons, and dreaming of one day returning to Japan, where she spent five treasured childhood years. 

Debi was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dan, with whom she shared 54 wonderful years of marriage; her children, Danelle; Nathan (Meggan; Aiva and Ana); Amy (Shawn; Julianna and Saylor); Matthew (Natalie; Ellie, Billy, Teigan, Aubrey, Crew, and Leo); and Steven (Jessica; Lilly, Cruze, and Riley); her siblings; more than 40 nieces and nephews; her cherished church family; dear friends; and countless others whose lives were forever blessed by knowing her.

As our hearts ache in her absence, we rejoice knowing that her faith has finally become sight and we trust she has heard the sweetest words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." We pray her legacy of faith, service, love, and joy will continue to bloom in the lives of those she loved so deeply.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages everyone to honor Debi’s memory by serving someone in need, sharing a meal with a neighbor, planting flowers, baking a pie with a child, or simply choosing joy—just as she did every day.

The family will have two memorial services for Debi:

1. Nashville, TN: Thursday, July 9th, 2026. Community Church of Hendersonville, 381 W. Main St., Hendersonville, TN 37075; Visitation: 4:30-5:45pm; Service: 6:00pm

2. Sunbury, OH: Saturday, July 25th, 2026. Sunbury Christian Church, 870 Admiral Dr., Sunbury, OH 43074; Visitation:12:00-3:00pm; Service: 3:30pm

Arrangements are entrusted to Sumner Funeral and Cremation, 615-452-9059, www.sumnerfuneral.com