The new year has brought one question to the music departments of several Shelby County schools.

Where is Debra Horton?

After teaching and serving the Shelby County public school system for 30 years, she is wiping off the chalkboard and beginning a career in real estate.

Horton, a resident of Shelby County for 53 years, was one of the first music teachers in Shelby County.

Her career began in 1976, teaching first through twelfth grade music in Calera. She was then passed along through seven different schools, where music departments were scarce. &8220;I was a shared instructor, serving several schools,&8221; Horton said.

In 1989, Horton along with Cheryl Ramsey and Dawn Logan were the first to be on the payroll as music teachers. Horton says she has been fortunate with good principals and students throughout her career.

&8220;With more principals with &8216;bumping the moon&8217; personalities, it has just been a pleasure to work with all those in my path,&8221; Horton said.

As she ventures in to her new career, Horton is eager to become a grandmother and spend time working around her own schedule. &8220;It is now time for me to step down and begin a new chapter. I&8217;m going to keep going, and with real estate I believe I will have that freedom.&8221;

Horton says she will never have any plans on retiring. &8220;I plan to remain a productive citizen.&8221;

Horton said that her life has been music and that working with young people has kept her young.

&8220;I have loved being a part in my students development of ethics and integrity. Feeding their soul with music and preparing them for a good life,&8221; Horton said.

Horton leaves the public school system after spending her last semester at Creek View in Maylene and Meadow View in Alabaster.

She has now joined Realty South&8217;s Shelby office.