Debra Markwell

Debra Gay Traylor Markwell, 62 widow of Monty "Bim" Markwell of Farmers, Kentucky passed away Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at her son's home surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous five-year battle with cancer.

She was born December 20, 1959, in Bath County, Kentucky to the late Ivan and Margaret Peckens Traylor.

Debra worked for thirty-five years in the hospitality industry as a cook, her most precious job was with her family at their business, the Salt Lick Restaurant and Grocery. She enjoyed working with her three children and greeting patrons. She never knew a stranger and welcomed everyone with a big smile.

Debra enjoyed reading, traveling, watching movies, especially Kevin Costner movies. She collected every movie he made and had recently seen him in concert which was the highlight of her year. She loved spending time with her family, family was everything to her. She was the center of her family's universe. Debra was a wonderful cook and enjoyed making big meals for her family. She was the neighborhood Mom, often taking in two dozen children and feeding them. She had a heart of gold and complimented everyone she came in contact with and always had the motto that it may be the only compliment that person ever received from anyone. Debra loved fashion and jewelry, she enjoyed dressing up and looking her best!

Survivors include her two sons, Monty Markwell, II and Kent Markwell (wife Kashena Markwell) all of Farmers, her daughter, Casey Markwell (husband Rusty Richmond) of Farmers, one sister, Carol Caudill of Salt Lick, Kentucky and her three grandchildren, Tabor Markwell of Hazard, Kentucky and Garrett and Cheyanne Markwell of Farmers, a special niece Christy Bowling who was also one of her caregivers. Several other nieces and nephews also survive.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Ivan Traylor, Charles Traylor, Larry Traylor and Alan Keith Traylor. Sisters, Judy Omohundro, Patricia Norris and Barbara McCarty.

Private family graveside services will be conducted in the Ellington Cemetery at Farmers with Pastor Mark Caldwell officiating. A public visitation will be held from 12 noon until 2:00 pm Friday at the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Morehead.

Pall bearers will be Monty Markwell, II, Kent Markwell, Rusty Richmond, Aaron Bowling, David Caudill and Garrett Markwell.

The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home, 808 Old Flemingsburg Road, Morehead, Kentucky 40360 is caring for all arrangements for Debra Gay Traylor Markwell.