Debbie Myers-Lockwood

OSSEO – Debbie S. Myers-Lockwood, 63, Osseo, died of complications from cancer on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, at the country home of her brother Dennis Myers, Osseo.

She was born Oct. 23, 1962, to Melvin D. and Chiyo (Itosu) Myers and grew up on their Camden area farm.

On June 13, 1987, she married Larry Lockwood, in a double wedding with her brother Don and sister-in-law Shirley. They spent most of their married life in Hillsdale.

A 1980 graduate of Waldron High School, she received her bachelor's degree in journalism from Central Michigan University and launched her award-winning newspaper career at The Hillsdale Daily News as a reporter, then editor. She also worked in newsrooms at The Daytona Beach News Journal, The Battle Creek Enquirer and The Jackson Citizen Patriot.

Her byline led many page-one news stories including chronicling the international search for and conviction of Hillsdale County's notorious fugitive wife-murderer David Richard Davis, a case which gained worldwide note via television mystery shows, a TV movie and a book. She covered the two deadly fireworks plant explosions in Jefferson Township which took many lives. Debbie was also a skilled, sharp copy editor as her reporting took her to editor positions in top-notch newspapers.

A collector at heart, she founded an estate sale business, and then added an antiques/collectibles store, Yesterday's News, Albion. In Albion, she became a respected business owner who made her storefront available for downtown holiday and other activities, and she supported many community entities including Friends of Albion Animals and the Albion American Legion. Prized possessions included her pink-and-white 1956 Ford Fairlane and a collection of "teardrop retro campers" she and Larry restored for family and friends outings on their rural Hillsdale County land.

A woman of consequence who made a difference in many ways, she was known for her creativity, unique sense of humor, her love of all things Disney (especially Mickey) and most of all, her kindness and generosity. She donated dishes, clothing, food and more to the unhoused population. At holiday times, she would drop off platters of intricately decorated goodies to friends, family and others.

Her love for and rescue of cats was well-known. She would take stray felines to be neutered and spayed, and she fed and sought treatment for many.

Debbie also served in marketing positions for Siena Heights University, Trine University and the Homer Community Foundation.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Lockwood; sister Dorothy Myers, Camden; and three brothers, Donald (Shirley) Myers, Camden, Doug Myers, Camden, Dennis Myers, Osseo; six nieces and nephews; and 15 great-nieces and great-nephews. Her parents and a sister, Darlene, and many special cats including Mickey and Mo preceded her in death.

Her nieces and nephews and "the greats" were her pride and joy. Even as she fought the final of cancer battles which had begun in 1986, each defeated and allowing her as a survivor to continue her busy life, she gathered several of "the greats" into her Hospice bed for a group photo.

A Celebration of her Life is planned from noon to 4 p.m. May 9 at the Lake Diane Community Center. Memorials are suggested to Friends of Albion Animals and Hospice of Hillsdale County.