McMinnville resident and Warren County native Debra Denise Strode, 72, was born October 8, 1953 and died November 23, 2025 at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital in Murfreesboro, TN following an extended illness.

A retired dietician for NHC Healthcare, she was the daughter of the late Thomas H. and Dorothy Womack Grayson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by sisters, Thelma Jean Bishop and Vicky Jo Talley.

Debra was married to Ronald Strode of McMinnville on April 25, 1980. In addition to her husband she is survived by children, Eugene Grayson of Sparta, Gericia (James III) Taylor of Rock Island and Reneisha (Dakota) Crain of Crossville; grandchildren, Tyler Taylor, Trace Taylor, Tosha Burns, Elijah Rodgers, Merit Rodgers and Jalen Crain; brother, Thomas H. (Deborah) Grayson, Jr. of LaVergne and a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at High’s. Per Mrs. Strode’s wishes she will be cremated following the visitation.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home and High’s Cremations, Inc. are in charge of arrangements.

Main Street Journal

Nov. 24, 2025

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