Debra Josie Howell Cochran

Mrs. Debra Josie Howell Cochran, 72, of Thurmont, MD, passed on to eternal life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at Frederick Health Hosp. in Frederick, MD.

Debra (Debby) was born in Memphis, TN on November 4th, 1953 and graduated from Oxon Hill High School in 1971. As part of a Naval family, Debby lived throughout the United States and met her future husband, James Henry Cochran while living in Tampa, FL. They married in 1973 and traveled extensively through the United States and Europe. Debby and Jim eventually settled in Maryland where they owned and operated Magic Mountain Chimney Sweeps for 33 years.

As a lifelong artist, Debby was a founding member of the Frederick Arts Council. She dabbled in multiple mediums, but excelled in oil painting. Among her other pursuits were her “rock creatures,” custom bird house, miniature dioramas, and painted mirrors, in addition to the fun crafts she organized for her 2 children and nieces and nephews.

Many Thurmont residents recognize Aurora Cottage, where Debby and her family lived for 40 years. Debby enjoyed researching its origins and took great pride in maintaining historical elements of the home over the years. Together she and Jim kept a sizable yard and herb garden. Debby was an accomplished herbalist, drying herbs and mixing tinctures.

Debby was a devoted mother to her two children and proud grandmother. She is survived by her son, Wesly Cochran and wife, Beth Krause, and granddaughter, Calliope; and daughter Wendy MacMaster and husband, Greg, and grandson, James. She is also survived by her sister Pat Alexander and husband, Henry; her brother Joe Howell and wife, Maria; as well as four nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Jim (2012), mother (Ethel Mitchell), and father (Joe Howell, Sr.).

Dressed as a spooky witch, Debby would dare children to approach her cauldron during Trick-or-Treating. Hence, it is fitting the viewing will be held on Halloween (Friday, October 31) from 2:00pm to 4:00pm and 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Stauffer Funeral Home, 104 E Main St, Thurmont, MD, 21788. A service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, November 01 at Weller United Methodist Church, 101 N Altamont Ave, Thurmont, MD 21788. Memorial gifts may be made to Cancer Support Community, www.cancersupportdc.org.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.