Debra was born in Caldwell County and moved to Burke County as a child, with her family in 1967.  Debra graduated from Freedom High School and has lived in the Burke County area for over 50 years.  Debra is married to Valdese native, Tom Garrou, who has been employed at Seigwerk for over 30 years.  Debra and Tom have two daughters; their youngest living and working in the Asheville area and the eldest a Teacher at Liberty Middle School who is the mother of their two granddaughters.

Debra has been in the insurance industry for approximately 32 years and affiliated with Erie Insurance Company since 2002.  Before becoming an Agency Principal with Erie, Debra was a licensed producer with Farm Bureau and Nationwide. She received the Farm Bureau “Million Dollar Ring” for achieving over $1,000,000 in sales for Life and Annuities along with the Ben Coble Award and the Duplin Award for leadership in community service.  Debra has also received LUTC certification for the Exploring Personal Markets course completion and has been involved in various other fund raisers and scholarship awards over the years. While Principal Agent with Erie, Debra has been a three-time recipient of the Founders Award as well as the Challenger Award for business quality and growth. 

A member of the Waldensian Presbyterian Church serving on the Mission and Personnel committees. Debra also enjoys activities in the community including membership in the Pilot Club of Valdese, an international professional women’s organization.

Debra was the first female member of the Waldensian Heritage Winery located in Valdese, NC contributing to the growth of the retail business in that organization.

When not at Milestone Insurance, Debra currently enjoys spending free time with her grandchildren, gardening and decorating.