Debra Quintal Garmon, 72, of Oxnard, CA, passed away on October 20, 2025.
Born in Oakland, CA, to Marguerite Mary Burgoyne Quintal and John Joseph Quintal Sr., Debbie graduated from Holy Names High School in 1971 and earned her B.A. and teaching credential in Elementary Education from San Jose State University. While there, she helped charter the Epsilon Omicron chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. In 1995, she completed her M.A. in Elementary Education from Azusa Pacific University and earned a Reading Specialist credential from CSUN.
Debbie married her college sweetheart, Everette G. Garmon, in June 1976 in Berkeley, CA, and began her 37-year teaching career with Ventura Unified School District that same year. Known for her warmth, energy, and joy, she made every student feel seen and capable. Teaching was truly her calling, and she embraced it wholeheartedly.
A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Debbie found her greatest joy in family. She delighted in cheering for her three children—Brandon (Rachelle), Courtney (Ajay Eyarhono), and Ashleigh (Ramin Nematollahi)—and treasured time with her grandchildren: Kaliyah (11), Jaden (8), Noah (4), and Elodie (2). Debbie was also a loving sister to John, Karen, Dwayne, Alicia, and Marc, and sister-in-law to Sharon Garmon-Bleadsoe (Phillip Bleadsoe), Elvia D. Garmon, and Maureen William-Garmon (Reginald Garmon 3-27-2024).
Debbie retired from teaching in 2013. A year later, she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, a challenge she faced with remarkable grace, resilience, and her ever-present smile. Even as the disease progressed, her generous spirit and love continued to shine through, touching everyone around her.
She is deeply missed by her husband of 49 years, children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, sorority sisters, former colleagues & students, and many friends who were blessed by her light.
A community viewing will be held Friday, November 7, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. at JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main St., Ventura. Services will follow Saturday, November 8, with a viewing at 1 p.m. and funeral at 2 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 855 S. F Street, Oxnard.
Flowers may be sent to the funeral home by 10 a.m. on November 7th. In lieu of flowers, donations in Debbie’s memory may be made to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation at alzinfo.org.