Debbie Stephens, our beloved wife, mom, Lolli, and friend, passed away on October 5, 2023 at the age of 62. Born on April 15, 1961 to Don and Barbara Hill.
Debbie spent her early years in Claremore, Oklahoma, where she met Kerry Stephens, the love of her life. Debbie and Kerry attended Oklahoma State University together. They were married on July 26, 1980, and moved to Tahlequah, Oklahoma to attend Northeastern State University, where Debbie graduated with a degree in education.
Debbie and Kerry’s early years together set a strong foundation for the 43 amazing years to come. Debbie and Kerry made their home in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where Debbie began her teaching career and found her true calling in motherhood. Her four children, Kara, Katie, Kyle, and Luke, were the center of her world – there was never a dance recital, baseball game, or school program where Debbie wasn’t cheering from the front row.
She was also a dedicated volunteer and spent countless hours supporting not only her own children, but their entire classrooms and schools. Always bringing a smile, she was a beacon of light for students and teachers alike. In 2002, Debbie and her family moved across the country to Central Florida, where she quickly became an integral member of her community. She volunteered and supported all of her children’s activities, from band to dance, football and basketball, and more. In Florida, Debbie also returned to the classroom, teaching kindergarten at Geneva Elementary, where she touched the lives of many, many children and their families with her bright smile and endless encouragement.
Debbie retired from teaching in 2016 to pursue her real dream job – being the very best Lolli (grandma) her three grandsons could ever ask for. She truly went above and beyond to make every day magical for Rhett, Emmett, and Miles. From sleepovers and New Smyrna beach days to grand holiday celebrations, every day with Lolli was special.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Don and Barbara Hill, and brother David Hill.
Survivors include husband Kerry Stephens, daughters Kara Stephens-Weaver and wife Sam, Katie Duncan and husband Scott, sons Kyle Stephens and Luke Stephens, grandsons Rhett Duncan, Emmett Duncan, and Miles Weaver, sisters Donna Sharp, Dani Freeman, and Jami Hill-Smith, father and mother-in-law Loyd and Judy Stephens, and faithful canine companion Goose.