Debbie Parker Wayne Biography

Debbie Parker Wayne is a sixth-generation Texan who has been doing genealogical research since 1990. She worked more than 25 years in the computer industry doing technical support and instruction, programming, database administration, and web design. She enjoys complex problem solving and using social history to add interest to family histories. She has been a full-time genealogist since 2000 and is experienced using DNA analysis for genealogical research.

Debbie was editor of the Nacogdoches Genealogical Society journal, Yesterdays, for five years. She is the webmaster for the Lone Star Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), the ProGen Study Group, and several local societies and businesses. She is a member of APG and is the DNA Director for the Spanish_Grants geographic project.

Debbie lives in East Texas with easy access to the Dallas Public Library and Houston's Clayton Library, Center for Genealogical Research as well as the East Texas Research Center at Stephen F. Austin State University. In addition there are several large university libraries, the Texas State Library and Archives, LDS Family History Centers, and many East Texas county courthouses within easy travel distance.

Memberships in genealogical organizations include:

• Association of Professional Genealogists (APG).
• Lone Star Chapter, APG.
• International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG).
• International Society of Family History Writers and Editors (ISFHWE).
• National Genealogical Society (NGS).
• Texas State Genealogical Society (TSGS).
• East Texas Genealogical Society (ETGS).
• Nacogdoches Genealogical Society (NacGS) - Publications Editor and Committee Chairman (until disbanded in 2007).
• Angelina County Genealogical Society (ACGS).
• and several other Southern state and county societies.

Genealogical training includes:

• "American Genealogy: A Basic Course" (Completed with a grade of A) offered by the National Genealogical Society.
• "Advanced Methodology and Evidence Analysis" taught by Elizabeth Shown Mills, Helen F. M. Leary, Craig R. Scott, and Dr. John Philip Colletta at the 2003 Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR).
• "Land Records" taught by Christine Rose, Birdie Holsclaw and many others at the 2005 Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR).
• "Writing and Publishing for Genealogists" taught by Helen F. M. Leary, Dr. Thomas W. Jones, Dr. John Philip Colletta and many others at the 2006 Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR).
• "Advanced Library Research: Law Libraries and Government Documents" taught by Ben Spratling III, Ann Fleming, Kay Freilich, Chuck Sherrill, and Claire Bettag at the 2007 Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR).
• "Advanced Military Research III: Mexican War and Civil War" taught by Craig R. Scott, Rick Sayre, Pamela Boyer, and J. Mark Lowe at the 2008 Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR).
• "Kinship Theory I," a college level genealogical course, taught by Dr. Carolyn Earle Billingsley.
• "Professional Genealogy" taught by Elissa Scalise Powell, Dr. Thomas W. Jones, J. Mark Lowe, and others at the 2009 Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR).
• ProGen Study Group – a ninteen-month collaborative group study program using Professional Genealogy: A Manual for Researchers, Writers, Editors, Lecturers and Librarians, edited by Elizabeth Shown Mills. In addition to completing the course work, Debbie was the coordinator for the second study group formed.
• Numerous seminars attended during national and regional conferences such as FGS, NGS, GENTECH, Angelina College Genealogy Conference, and others.

Computer training and experience includes:

• Web design, HTML, JavaScript, PHP, C Programming and many UNIX and PC administration and support classes.
• Database design and administration for Oracle, Access, and MySQL.
• Numerous institutes and seminars attended during 25 years in the industry.

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