Debra Yaniko Rogers (Dupont)

Debra Yaniko Rogers (Dupont) died Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at her home in Aledo. Debra was born on January 17, 1969, in Chicago, Illinois to David and Lorraine Yaniko. She attended grammar and high school in Keller, and continued on to attend Tarrant County College, transferring to Texas Christian University where she graduated summa cum laude with a BA in Economics. Debra graduated cum laude with a Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law in Austin and summa cum laude with a Master Degree in Theology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Debra's love for education (formal and informal) was evident by two recent trips abroad where she basked in the opportunities to learn about people cultures and religious history. Her legal career began in 1994 with the Supreme Court of Texas, Austin as a judicial intern and as an associate for Loe, Warren, Rosenfield, Kaitcher & Hibbs in Fort Worth (1994-1995). She then worked as assistant district attorney for the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney's Office from 1995-2004 when she was unanimously appointed judge for Parker County Court at Law No. 1, Weatherford. She also worked as a volunteer attorney for immigration services for the Catholic Charities Diocese of Fort Worth, Adjunct Profession in Business Law at Weatherford College, Rogers LLP in Weatherford and her own private practice as attorney at law in Aledo. Debra won many honors and awards including the Eldon B. Mahon Inn of Court, Prothro Scholar (awarded a full, four-year scholarship to SMU), Fort Worth's Star Telegram “10 to Watch Under 40,” and Phi Beta Kappa. Debra had membership/leadership in many associations including State Bar of Texas, Tarrant County Bar Association, Fort Worth-Tarrant County Young Lawyers Association, Texas District and County Attorneys association, Hannah's House of Brazos Valley, Aledo High School Ag Backer Club, Aledo Boy's Basketball Booster Club, Aledo Lions Club, Springtown Optimist "Friends of Youth,” Texas Exes (UT Alumni) and Frog Club (TCU Alumni). She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Bushia and Grandpa. Debra married Ty Dupont on April 6, 1991, and is survived by their two sons, Matthew Dupont and Timothy Dupont; parents, Dave and Lorraine Yaniko; younger sister, Linda Yaniko; and many extended family members. Mass: 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 15 at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1802 Bethel Road, in Weatherford with a reception following in the Church Holy Spirit Center. Burial: Annetta Cemetery. Visitation: 6 - 9 p.m. Sunday, May 14 at White's Funeral Home, 130 Houston Ave. in Weatherford, with Rosary at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to CASA, 305 S. Rusk, Weatherford, Texas 76086.

The Community News May 19, 2017