‘Hearts & Smarts’: When it comes to Debra Payne, her career and personal journeys are quite something

Debra Payne has lived quite the life. So much so that she is writing an autobiography.

After graduating early, Deb enlisted in the Air Force, working her way up to air traffic controller, which came with a high security clearance. Then Northrup hired her for special classified projects before she worked at the pharmaceutical company Amgen. She eventually moved on to become a court reporter as a stenographer, a firefighter and EMT (where she became Fire Chief), one of the county sheriff’s criminal analysts and finally, she currently works as a hypnotist.

Deb’s had quite the career and has quite the story to tell, but the hard work and dedication she showed in each job is just part of who she is. On top of being one of the most well-rounded, hardworking career women you will ever meet, Deb is a truly amazing wife and mother. She is there for her family and friends at all times, and her selflessness is completely unmatched.

“What makes my mom good to others is that she genuinely cares about them,” her son Eddie said. “She recently started a business that is dedicated to helping others through hypnosis too. But throughout her life as a mom, firefighter, EMT and criminal investigator, she’s been dedicated to helping others. It’s a part of who she is.”

All Deb ever wants to do is to help people. She wants to ensure they have the best lives and situations possible. She loves compassionately and has so much genuineness in her heart as well.

“I admire her hearts and her smarts,” Deb’s husband Ralph said. “She is one of the most intelligent people I’ve ever known. She’s still beautiful, kind and caring. I also admire her love for animals.”

Whether it’s humans or animals, Deb loves them all the same. She treats everyone well, and this is something special.

She has the voice of an angel too, and this was one of the things that attracted Ralph right off the bat, and after 25 years of marriage there are an infinite number of things to love about Deb.

In fact, when Ralph first met Deb, it was just her and Eddie. She had to find that balance of work life and the mom life, and with her amazing work ethic she made it all happen. She would do anything for that kid, and even in his 40s he knows he can count on his mom to be there for him.

“Deb is one of the hardest working single mothers I have ever seen,” Ralph said. “It was just her and Eddie when we met over 30 years ago.”

When Ralph entered Deb’s life, he realized that Eddie is the most important thing to her. He is her pride and joy, and she loves him so much.

She has been in Eddie’s life every step of the way, and through all of life’s highs and lows, she has been his pillar of strength and support.

“My mom means so much to me! When I was a kid and young adult, she was the one I looked up to as a role model and was always there to support me with everything I did – both sports and school,” Eddie said. “As a single mom, she taught me about personal and financial responsibility; about focusing on and taking care of needs first in life, then wants.”

Deb has always led her son by example. Showing him how to prioritize the most important things in life has taken him far, and it has taken her even further. By always doing what she could to provide him the best life possible, he reflects back on that all the time and realizes just how lucky he is.

Eddie and Ralph also know just how lucky everyone else is to have Deb in their lives as well. She is such a great friend to many, and her love for others is endless.

“She’s very down to earth and can talk to anyone,” Eddie said. “She’s had to work hard for everything she’s gotten, and appreciates the little things in life. She’s a positive person, and this has been one of the biggest qualities that I’ve taken and run with. The ability to be or see something positive in every situation.”

Deb’s outlook on life is just as special as her. She does not take things for granted, and she is a genuinely happy person. She loves life and lives it to the fullest, and that is something you can’t take away from her.

It is clear that Deb is one exceptional person, and if her personality is any indicator, her autobiography is going to be a great read and a best seller.

She has quite the story to tell, and it is easy to see why her family loves and appreciates her as much as they do.

“You are one of the most special people I have ever known. You have been able to do anything you’ve put your mind to. I would be lost without you.” – Ralph