DEBORAH SCANLON

09/29/1966 - 07/06/2023

Deborah (Parker Briece) Scanlon, 56, Missouri City, Texas, died unexpectedly vacationing in Europe, July 6, 2023, at Borgo Scopeto Relais near Siena, Italy. Debbie was born September 29, 1966, in North Kansas City, Missouri, to Janette Allen-Parker and Gerald Briece. She graduated with a degree in accounting in 1989 from Northwest Missouri State University, where she was a member of and later president of the Delta Zeta Sorority. She went on to earn CPA certifications in Kansas, Missouri, Texas and Puerto Rico.

Debbie was a recognized national leader in audit, accounting and advisory services for the financial services industry, serving as audit partner and regional industry leader for BKD, LLP’s (now FORVIS, LLP) Financial Services Practice.

Debbie served on numerous boards and commissions and was a member of several industry associations, including the Texas Finance Commission, a governor-appointed position; Independent Bankers Association of Texas; Texas Bankers Association; Financial Managers Society; American Bankers Association; Subchapter S Bank Association; American Institute of CPAs, Texas Society of CPAs and Puerto Rico Society of CPAs; and Financial Women in Texas. In recent years, Debbie became a well-known speaker on the topic of women in business and banking.

Debbie recently expanded her role at FORVIS to serve as SKY Advisory Council member, promoting the firm’s diversity and inclusion strategies nationwide. Debbie was passionate about her work and the people she worked with, encouraging and shepherding countless colleagues in her firm into senior leadership and partner roles. Debbie was fearless—a topic she often addressed when speaking about women promoting themselves in business. Debbie was compassionate, serving on the Susan G. Komen board of directors for more than a decade and eventually as board president.

Although Debbie was accomplished professionally, she cherished her role as the mother of Jack and Draily, the wife of Pat, and the grandmother of Jesse, Easton and Jayce. She enjoyed celebrating their successes and treasured their love.

The number of friends Debbie has across the nation and the world has warmed the hearts of her family. As Pat said: “I knew Debbie was loved, but these last few days we’ve been overwhelmed with the love and care so many people have shown to me and my family. The outpouring of messages expressing condolences, admiration and special memories of Debbie has numbered well into the hundreds. It’s truly amazing.”

Debbie loved life and living it to the fullest with her husband Pat. From fitness to motorcycles to beach adventures and traveling—she was up for it all. She had a sweet soul and was a driving force—a rare combination in today’s world—and one that will be missed.

She is survived by her husband of 29 years, Pat Scanlon, of the home; daughter Draily (Justin) Sander, Richmond, Texas; son Jack Scanlon, Missouri City, Texas; brother Orbin Parker III; grandchildren Jessica Sander, Easton Sander and Jayce Sander; uncle William Allen (Antoinette); aunt Nancy Gervey (Larry); and several cousins.

The celebration of Debbie’s life will be held at River Pointe Church, 21000 Southwest Freeway, Richmond, Texas 77469, on July 22, 2023, at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions in Debbie’s honor to the Susan G. Komen Houston chapter, 13770 Noel Road, Suite 801889, Dallas, Texas 75380. Include code TX301 to ensure donations are sent to the Houston community. Donations may also be made online at www.komen.org/ houstonrace