Born Debra K. Beale, October 31, 1951 in Joplin, Missouri. Passed on January 25, 2015 following a courageous battle against ALS. Debbie attended and graduated from Diamond High School in 1969. Following graduation she worked for 10 years with the Joplin Regional Center for the Developmentally Disabled before working 10 years as the administrative assistant for the Missouri State Special Olympics office in Joplin. Debbie concluded her working career working for Taylor, Hoskins and Shaw CPA's in Warrensburg, Missouri.

Debbie is the cherished wife, best friend and soul mate of Ross Lawrence of Chilhowee. She is the beloved mother of Shad Martin, Chicago, Illinois, Season Martin, Chicago, Illinois and Chelsea Martin, Clinton, Missouri. She is the grandmother of Riley and Haille Skelton of the home, Ava Martin, Chicago and Jacey Sullivan, Chicago. She has three siblings, Barbara Payne, Joplin, Missouri, Ronnie Beale, Joplin and Vicki Kimzey, Weatherby Lake, Missouri. She also leaves many nieces and nephews who also adored her.

Debbie was much loved by all who knew her. She brought a sense of peace and harmony to all who surrounded her. Her greatest passion was her family and close friends. She also had an enduring enthusiasm for creating arts/crafts and painting. She was an enthusiastic camper preferring the banks of the Big Sugar Creek to any other place. She enjoyed gardening and canning/preserving the fruits of her labors.

Debbie and Ross met and immediately fell in love in 1992 and were married on August 7, 1993. They enjoyed each other's company regardless of what they were doing. They loved to travel and vacation together, but enjoyed returning home where they spent many hours just being in love. The majority of their travels included visiting their adored family members.

We are all deeply saddened by the loss of Debbie, but find solace in knowing that although the world is now a dimmer place, heaven is an infinitely brighter and more beautiful place because of her presence.

A memorial service to celebrate Debbie's life will be held at the Allen Street Baptist Church, 210 W. Allen St., Clinton, MO 64735 visitation 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and Funeral 12:00 p.m. on Saturday January, 31, 2015. In order to continue Debbie's giving spirit the family requests contributions to the Keith Worthington Chapter of the ALS Association or The Allen Street Baptist Church, in lieu of flowers.

Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, Missouri.