Debra Black

Debra Black was born in Johannesburg, South Africa on October 7, 1958. Her father, being a U.S. citizen, registered her birth at the U.S. Embassy, making her a dual citizen: truly African American.

In 1976, she went to college and was considering pursuing a law degree, but found out this route was not for her due to the political situation in South Africa. Although she was in the majority (white), the ramifications of their cruel policy and imperialism was too much for her to handle, so she left college and Johannesburg.

After leaving South Africa, Debra traveled Europe. She loved to share her stories of this time, of all those adventures she had and people she met while just living out of a backpack.

She moved to Washington D.C. in 1983, where she became a legal secretary. Her lawyer boss once praised her for her expertise, stating that it was like having another lawyer in the office. She studied to be a Master Gardener, as well as took a course in improv. Footage from her stand-up open mic night can be found on Youtube – DC Improv, Debra Black.

Debra met the love of her life, Kris, in February of 2000. They moved to Florida in December 2009 and married on August 17, 2011, in Banff, Canada. If you believe that opposites don’t attract, look at Kris and Deb.

Debra was a Master Gardener in both D.C. and Florida and loved to share her love of native plants with everyone. Gifting friends with native species to add to their gardens made her so happy. She educated many while lovingly volunteering at the Extension Services.

Debra was a chef, a comedian, and an avid reader. She was generous to a fault. At one point, she literally gave a friend the shirt off her back.

Debra fought a 3-year battle of stage 4 lung cancer with grace. She advocated for at least 9 other people with cancer along this journey. She never ceased educating herself on ways to fight this disease. 

Debra passed on Good Friday, April 18, 2025, with Kris and a dear friend by her side. She was preceded in spirit by her dear grandparents Rifka and Issac, and beloved fur babies: Melmac, Bert, Sport, Sunny, Mrs Chippy and Mr Oliver. She leaves behind her loving life partner of 25 years, Kris Tobin, as well as three fur babies Millie, Stanley, and Fiona. Debra also leaves Niquey Sanchez, Kris’ daughter/niece, who saw Debra as the second mother she never had. Kris’ living family, Sue MaKuta (John) and family of Plano, Texas; Lori Tobin (Mike) and family of Colorado Springs; Colleen Garcia (Brian) and family of Colorado Springs; and Teresa Fritts of Denver, Colorado will all dearly miss sweet Debra.

All who met her felt blessed having known her in their lives.

In lieu of flowers, Debra and Kris request that donations be made to the Manatee County Extension Services. Please send checks with “Donation in Memory of Debra Black” noted to:

University of Florida
Manatee County Extension Service
2403 17th Street West
Palmetto, FL 34221

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Debra Black, please visit our floral store.