Debbie Marie (Filkins) Brown

Debbie Marie Brown, of Cold Brook Road, Homer, passed away following an extended illness on November 18, 2025, at the age of 65. 

A lifelong area resident, Debbie was born August 12, 1960, a daughter of the late Vernon and Phyllis Burns Filkins. 

She had been employed in the Food Service Department at the Cortland Regional Medical Center for many years before leaving to be a stay-at-home mom.  

Debbie was Honorary Lifetime Member of the Spafford Fire Department since 2003. She sat on the Board of Fire Commissioners for 19 years. A member of the Spafford Auxiliary where she held many positions including Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Chaplain. Co-Founder of the Spafford Food Pantry. 

Surviving are her four children, Michael (Donna) Brown of Homer, Belinda (Bill) Brown of Truxton, Deanna (Charlie) Brown of Preble, and Kennard (Scarlett) Brown Jr. of Homer, her grandchildren, Natasha (Carl) Franklin, Betty (Mason) O’Donnell, Dylan Toolan, Logan (Sean) Luke Czerkawskyj, Daniel and Leah Luke, Makayla Shutts, Isiah Wagner, Sadie, Jace, Bowdy, Madison and Matthew Brown; as well as seven great grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings, Vernon (Christine) Filkins II of Homer, Tammy (Chuck) Keller of Moravia, Melissa Losaw of Homer and Bonnie (Robert) Mountford of Scott, her beloved friend, Melody Amidon, and her favorite four-legged companion, Wiggles, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Kennard Brown, her brothers-in-law, Vincent Losaw, and Steve and Richard Brown, and her sister-in-law, Rose Brown.

Services for Debbie will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions in Mrs. Brown’s name may be directed to the Spafford Fire Department, 660 State Route 41, Homer, NY 13077.

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