Debra Denise Prince Ford was born July 27, 1955 to Lee Prince, Jr. and Patricia Grady Prince in San Antonio, Texas. She accepted Christ at an early age with membership at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Rufus Wilson and later Rev. Garry Roberts. Debra remained a lifelong member of Mt. Sinai until her passing. She received her formal education in the San Antonio Independent School District graduating from Sam Houston High School, where she was a cheerleader.