Deb Garrett was born in 1956 in Ft Lee, Virginia, the youngest daughter of Sgt. Leroy (Uncle Lee) Solice and Anneliese Piehler. Her birth took place in January, and her mother recalled that the doctor, on the way to dropping his kids off at school, played a role in her delivery. The unfortunate coincidence of Friday the 13th was attributed to her challenging entry into the world. Despite her father’s desire to name her after Debbie Reynolds, her German heritage resulted in a unique spelling for her name – Debrah Ann Solice.
At the age of three weeks, the family embarked on a journey to Germany to reunite with Deb’s father, who was frequently engaged in Maneuver’s. This constant exposure to change and diverse cultures fueled Deb’s sense of adventure. The family’s relocation to Fort Hood preceded her father’s deployment to Korea. After his return, they moved back to Germany just in time for Deb to start kindergarten and catch the military bus near her Oma’s house.
A notable chapter in Deb’s childhood was the family’s vacation in 1964, marked by a trip to New York and the World’s Fair. Traveling on a military ship, Deb explored freely while her mother battled seasickness for the entire five days. An unforgettable storm on the last night left a lasting memory of her falling off the top bunk. The sight of the Statue of Liberty upon entering New York Harbor was a pivotal moment for Deb – a realization that she was home, an American, and this was her country.
The family relocated to Petersburg, Virginia, during Deb’s fifth-grade year when her father received orders for Vietnam. However, her mother opposed the move, resulting in her father’s retirement, and they settled in Shreveport, Louisiana. Deb’s father, delighted to be near “The Lake,” delved into researching their Indian history, involving Deb in the process. She discovered cousins, learned about graveyard celebrations, and had memorable experiences at Uncle Jeff’s store.
Throughout her teenage and young adult years, Deb continued to visit the lake. In the late ’80s, she, along with her sons Ben and Chris (Sparky), began practicing dance steps when Chief Rufus initiated meetings and dancing for their tribe. The ’90s saw numerous tribal events, collaborations with archaeologists and grant writers, and performances in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
A significant moment in 1992 occurred at the Louisiana State Fair when Chief Rufus called out “Women’s Pick” during a performance. Deb, recognizing her friend from 8th grade, Marty Johnson, grabbed him, marking the beginning of a lasting partnership. In June 1993, Deb and Marty witnessed the Adai Caddo Indians of Louisiana State Recognition, facing challenges due to objections from State Treasurer Mary Landrieu.
In 1994, the tribe danced at the Caddo Mounds in Alto, Texas, a solemn occasion acknowledging the history of enslavement. The experience was profound, as Deb felt the pain and despair of genocide, which transformed into a healing moment for the land.
In 2019, Chief Rufus invited Deb to represent their tribe on the Louisiana Native American Commission. Following Chief Rufus’ passing, Deb became the tribe’s Vice Chief, standing alongside the new Chief, John Mark Davis. In 2023, she was appointed Secretary of the Louisiana Office of Indian Affairs Native American Commission in Baton Rouge. She graduated in Control Systems from Bossier Parish Community College and pursued a successful career, working for companies such as Eastman Chemical Company and Kinder Morgan.
Beyond her tribal engagements, Deb has been an active member of the Krewe of Centaur in Shreveport since 1994. Her involvement includes serving as a float lieutenant, winning numerous art awards, and contributing to the design and decoration of floats.
In reflection, Deb expresses gratitude for her longevity, health, and a sound mind. She acknowledges a colorful life marked by mistakes and valuable lessons. Her three children, sons, their wives, and grandchildren are her biggest supporters. Every day, she lives in thankfulness to her Creator. Deb’s aspirations for the tribe include growing resources and establishing committees for youth, elders, health, and education. As Vice Chief, she is committed to the betterment of the tribe, anticipating great progress and envisioning a future aligned with positive developments.