Debra Ann Selby, age 67, of Frisco, Texas passed away on September 19, 2023, in Plano, Texas. She was born July 17, 1956, to Walter Paul and Barbara (Leirer) Ulzheimer in Brooklyn, New York. Debra married Curtis Lee Selby on March 12, 1982, in Greensboro, North Carolina.
She is survived by her husband, Curtis Lee Selby of Frisco, Texas; children, Matthew Selby of Lubbock, Texas, and Luke Selby of Lewisville, Texas; granddaughter, Lily Halfacre; father, Walter Ulzheimer; sister, Donna Cronin; niece, Shannon Passek and husband, Jeffrey; and nephew, John Cronin.
Debra was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Ulzheimer.
Debbie had a passion for dance, musical comedy and performing arts that was only exceeded by her desire to be a wife and mother. She studied dance with Luba Nuverovich and at the Vern Fowler School, where she studied the techniques of the master Bob Fosse with guest instructors from Fosse’s own company. Her theater credits include the female leads in productions of “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” as Philia; “The Fantastiks” as Luisa; “Bye Bye Birdie” as Kim McAffee; and her favorite role as Maria in “West Side Story”. She has also appeared as a dancer in productions of “Lil’ Abner” and “Guys and Dolls” and has choreographed productions of “Cabaret” and West Side Story”.
Debbie was also a model. She modeled at Sak’s Fifth Avenue in New York and for Danskins and Elizabeth Arden. She performed live mannequin and Raggedy Ann and managed a fitness center.
Her first love was teaching children. She was an innovator in developing lyrical dancing and dancersise aerobics classes ahead of the trends. She was especially devoted to the art of musical comedy which she used in unique ways to promote self-esteem among performers and non-performers alike. Building self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment in every one of her students was the priority of her instruction.
Debbie also worked as a data entry specialist and system operator for the Plasma Physics Laboratory at Princeton University working with over 160 scientists, engineers, and technicians.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Avenue United Methodist Church, 3521 Main Street, Frisco, Texas 75034.
The memorial service will also be live streamed and may be viewed at gasanctuary.online.church