Debra Locust

Debra M. Locust picked up her first beading needle at six years old and started making corn bead necklaces with the helpful hand of her mother Eloise Maney and her grandmother.  In Debras seventh grade year at school she took Alyne Stamper’s beadwork class as well as taking pottery classes.  By the time she was eighteen she was producing beadwork continually. 

Debra has enjoyed making beadwork as well as other crafts for many years and she plans on continuing it for many more.  She has taught her sister to do beadwork and plans on teaching her granddaughter in the future. 

Debra lives in the Big Cove community and has won numerous awards for her artwork at the Cherokee Fall Festival.