Deborah Treece

With each approaching autumn, a card would arrive from Debbie--with her dogs, with her horse, with her owl, with her cats,--and I would always smile and know that autumn had officially begun. This so epitomized her spirit in that she didn't send other cards, for she proudly walked to the beat of her heart, and it was such a good heart.
Debbie always wanted fairness and justice in the world and cold not abide bullies or arrogance. She enjoyed being a teacher and always wanted the best for her students. She fostered a positive attitude and pragmatic goals in the hopes that each of her students could reach " his or her God-given potential." As Sir John Lubbock stated," The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught, as that every child should be given the wish to learn."
I met Debbie forty-seven years ago when we were pledges in Alpha Delta Pi at the University of Arkansas. Although our lives weaved in cycles of engagement throughout the years, for the past twenty years, we made an effort to stay in contact with other "sisters" and enjoy sundry activities. I treasure all of those encounters and will miss her so much. She is one of the few people that I know who was always so honest, so true to herself, so thoughtful of others, so loyal to her friends, so kind to animals, and so devoted to her home and life in Alma. She was so proud of her family, her school, and her life there.
Her wit was a famous trademark of hers, and she was known for her one-liners. But it was that twinkle in her eye and that contagious laugh that will remain in my heart. My world will be sadder without her, and I will continue to look for those autumn cards, but they will not come, and it will never be the same, Debbie, I will truly miss you, dear friend. Susan Garner
(Siloam Springs, Ar)

Debbie was an amazing, funny, crazy girl. She always made me laugh. When my favorite dog passed, she was the first one to give me a card. I will never forget that. May she rest in peace..

I worked with Debbie at Euper Lane Elementary school in Fort Smith! She was an amazing educator and a special lady! I lost track of her until the last year and reconnected through texting! She was strong and had incredible FAITH! She never wanted others to worry and continued to shine her spirit until she passed !! SHE IS HEALED AND HOME!!! RIP my friend