Search by Name

Search by Name

Debbie Sowell Obituary

Debbie Sowell went to be with her Heavenly Father on Monday May 30, 2005. Debbie was born on October 12, 1962 in Lovington, New Mexico to James and Jackie Haynes. The love of Debbie's life was her family, Briana, Brady, Bryce and husband Rick. She was actively involved in every aspect of her children's life-church, school and sports. Debbie was an incredible wife to her husband Dr. Rick Sowell, Pastor of Choctaw Road Baptist Church. Debbie was faithfully and passionately involved at CRBC, directin Praise Kids and singing on the Praise Team. She was also a Teacher's Assistant at Indian Meridian Elementary School where she touched the lives of many children. Debbie leaves many memories to her husband Rick and children, Briana, Brady and Bryce. She will be forever remembered by her family: parents James and Jackie Haynes of Weatherford, TX; brother, Gary Haynes of Spokane, WA; brother, Joe Haynes of Gonzales, TX; brother John Haynes of Abilene, TX; and brother Luke Haynes of Weatherford, TX; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Visitation will be held at Barnes and Johnson, 1820 S. Douglas, Midwest City, on Thursday, June 2, 2005. Services will be held at the Choctaw Road Baptist Church, Reno and Choctaw Road, on Friday, June 3, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. Barnes & Johnson Funeral Home 1820 S. Douglas Blvd Midwest City 733-2991

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Oklahoman on Jun. 2, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Debbie Sowell

Not sure what to say?





Kim Haynes

October 26, 2005

I recently found this guest book saved on our computer & wanted to submit a favorite photo of "Sis".
What can I say? It was a true blessing to have been her friend & a priveledge to be her sister-in-law. God bless and hear our prayers for Rick & their children, Briana, Brady & Brice and all of Debbie's extended family. We know and have the Hope of Jesus that we'll be with her again. What a legacy she has left for us to strive to follow and be found faithful and a true servant of God in this life as she will always be remembered for always acknowledging Him in all that she did, so He directed her life.
We love you!
Kim Haynes

Michele Murray

June 27, 2005

My heart breaks for your tremendous loss daily. When I think of Debbie I think of her singing. Not just because of her beautiful voice, but what impressed me most was the love that radiated out of her when she sang. It was obvious that she loved the Lord and enjoyed letting people know that. Many of us search all our lives and never discover what Debbie just understood. She knew that everyday was a gift, not a guarantee and to cherish every moment. We were all very fortunate to have witnessed her faithful love for the Lord, her husband, her precious children, and all of her family and friends. I feel like Debbie taught me that it's not the amount of time we're here on earth it's what we do with our time while we are here. I will hold the family close in my thoughts and prayers.



Michele Murray

(Makenna Shaefer's mom)

Jeff and Tracey Williams

June 17, 2005

Rick,



We talked about Debbie and the life she lived in our Sunday School class, we also spent time praying for you. Debbie was a special person whose work for Jesus will continue in the many life’s she has invested in.



Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Bobette Guillory

June 14, 2005

Bro. Rick, we would like to tell you that Debbie was an incredibly, wonderful person whom we will never forget. She touch our lives in ways that can not be expressed and she will be deeply missed. Our family will pray for you and remember how you and your family have blessed us so much. You are loved deeply and we will always love you guys.

The Guillory Family

Verlon Moore

June 12, 2005

Rick you are so special to me, It is hard for me to believe Debbie has gone to be with Jesus. Miss Jean and I will continue to pray for you. Brother Moore

Brandi Smith

June 12, 2005

Sowell family,

Debbie Sowell was the greatest,nicest,sweetest person you probably ever met.She would always have a smile on her face,being the best she could be to everyone.She was never mean.She never had a sad look.She was living a great life with God in her heart.

Alan and Ronda Burkhart

June 11, 2005

When we heard the news of Debbie's passing we felt such sorrow and we can only hope that God will reveal to you and the kids what his great will has instore for everyone connected to Debbie. I remember what a comfort you and your family have been to my family over all of these years. I wish I could be there in person, but we are with you in prayers. We love you Alan, Ronda, Dylan, and Ryan

John David Griffin

June 9, 2005

Brother Rick,

First, my sincere and deepest sympathy to you and your children and Debbie's family. It was a shock when I learned of your wife's death. I have very good memories of a young married couple at Eastman Baptist Church. I remember how excited you both were when you were expecting your first child! I was able to keep up, somewhat, with your family from others at Eastman, when you left, but really had the priviledge of seeing you again many years later when you preached a revival @ First Baptist Church in Prague for my good friend Bro. Tim Emmons. Rick, while I do not know the circumstances of Debbies death, I do remember all of the times you comforted other families that I had the opportunity to serve them while working at the funeral home in Marietta. You were a great inspiration to so many, and I hope that now it is returned to you tenfold. I have told Bro. Tim, so many times, that I know ministers have the same struggles with things, just like all of us, yet you are always there for the "others" in their times of struggles and grief. All the words do not help at this time and I know this, but it is such a blessing to read the words about Debbie and the impact she had on so many people. You two ministerd together and that is so great. Please know that my heart is saddened by your loss, but know that my prayers and the prayers of so many others are with you and your family.

Debbie Thurmond

June 8, 2005

Rick and Kids,

We are so sorry for your lose, and pray for you daily. We will miss Debbie deeply. She was a big insperation to us in her faith and her love for Jesus. We injoyed teaching 1st grad sunday school with her for the 2 years we did. We will miss her smiling face. We love you all.

Debbie Brotherton

June 8, 2005

Bro. Rick and Family,

My daughter, Jennifer Bickle, and her family attend your church and she informed me of your wife's death on Monday night. She was devastated and struggled to make sense of this tragedy. One thing I know for sure is true for the Christian: To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. What a blessed assurance. My home church, First Baptist in De Queen, Arkansas, is praying for you and your family, as are we. God bless you.

Debbie and Tim Brotherton

Linda Davis

June 7, 2005

Rick and Family,

I was so shocked by the news of Debbie's going to be with Our Lord. I did have the pleasure of meeting her while I was student teaching this Spring at IME. She was a wonderful person and was great with the children. I also enjoyed visiting with her during the Progressive Dinner that we both attending the end of March. I found out Sunday morning during worship service at First Baptist of Choctaw. We are all praying for you and your children during this difficult time. Some day we will all get to see Debbie with her glowing smile sitting next to Jesus! What a joyful day that will be!

Bill & Sarah Dennis

June 7, 2005

Bro. Rick and family,

Bill and I knew you and Debbie for about two years before we moved here. During that time, we saw how special you all were. Debbie was the sweetest and always the happiest, lady who lived every moment for her Lord. She was beautiful with always having a big smile on her face, and always in a joyful mood. I will miss being able to call her and talk Mary Kay with her. But I'll bet when she stepped into Heaven, she first sought out our Lord and then I'm sure she went right straight to Heaven's choir. She will be missed but we will see her again. Our thoughts, prayers and our love are with you.

Jamie Nickell

June 7, 2005

Even though I never got to meet Debbie, I would see her at the ball park. I would always think of how pretty she was and she was so nice to everyone. Our teams would play each other and their team (Storm) was always a pleasure to play. She was there cheering and encouraging her boys to play hard and have fun. I didn't know her, but I will miss seeing her at the games. You are truly blessed to have such great friends and family. Just by reading this guest book, you know how wonderful Debbie was. God Bless you.

Tommy, Jamie, Zach & Jarod Nickell

Kelly Killion

June 7, 2005

We are still saddened to hear the news but gladdened to know exactly where Debbie is right now--in the presence of our Heavenly Father! It was a privilege for Jamie and I to attend the Celebration of Life Service and hear first-hand stories from her family. That must have been so difficult to get the words out but was so appreciated by those in attendance. As her director in Mary Kay, I was so honored to see her personal MK compact, lipstick and name badge displayed on the memories table as well to see pictures of her MK Grand Opening during the video of her life. She was true to the Mary Kay philosphy--GOD FIRST, FAMILY SECOND and CAREER THIRD. It has been a joy having her as a member of the Klassics Unit. God's timing is not ours, but we continue to trust in his perfect will and grace to cover our needs.

Blessings~~~

the Killions



Kelly Killion

Sales Director

Mary Kay Cosmetics

Jamie Killion

Minister of Music

First Baptist Church

Chickasha,OK

Robert , Janna, Katy, Kris, & Kenzie McCoy

June 6, 2005

You and your family are forever a part of ours. Debbie was a very special friend, and advisor. I feel very blessed to have been a small part of her's and your family's lives.

Mark and Shawn Goudy

June 6, 2005

Brother Rick and kids,

You are in our prayers and thoughts during this time. Seeing how much love Debbie had for God, you and the kids, and the church family shows what a wonderful woman we were all blessed to have with us even for a short time. May God bless you and keep you in his protective embrace.

JOY MOORE

June 6, 2005

Bro. Rick, I just found this site and I am thankful, I want you and the kids to know that my family loved Debbie and we love you, Brianna, Brady and Brice. My prayers are for you to have strength to bear this heartache. As you know, God does not give us more burdens than we can handle. Thank you for being there for us when we needed you and Debbie will be always remembered as one of my close friends. love,

JOY, DON, AND RACHEL MOORE, JOE AND TAMRA FITZER

Kenneth Ham

June 6, 2005

Rick and family. My whole family hearts are broken for your loss. Her smile will be the thing that I will rember the most about your wife. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Love Kenneth, Rhonda, Jerred, Stacy.

Buddy & Jackie Stewart

June 5, 2005

Dear Sowell family,



While we did not have the privilege of knowing any of you, Luke has been almost part of our extended family for the past two years as he worked with Buddy as Physical Therapist. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy in your loss and be assured of our continued prayers for you and the entire Haynes family.

Anne and David Boyett

June 5, 2005

Brother Rick and Family, We were out of town this week on a family vacation and received a call about Debbie. We were deeply saddened and regret that we could not have been there for the funeral. Debbie was a beautiful lady and a wonderful example of what a Christian woman, wife and mother should be. You all are in our prayers. May God comfort you. Love from the Boyett's.

Helen Emert

June 5, 2005

Bro Rick,

We were so shocked this morning to see Debbie's obituary in the Ft. Worth Star Telegram. We do not know the circumstances surrounding her death but we do know that you are really hurting so very much at this time.

Please know that you and your children are in our thoughts and prayers. I can remember Debbie always having a smile on her face each time we attended church services with my parents--Herman and Rosemary Highfill. I can also remember her having to come down from the choir and sit with one of your children at times as well!! Kids will be kids.

I know both of you were very special to Mother and Daddy and I thank you so very much for ministering to them during your pastorate at Heavener.

Please know that you all will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead. God is good and is faithful to meet our every need. Find your strength and comfort in the Lord as I know you do each day.

In Christian love,

Paul and Helen (Highfill) Emert

Peggy Williams

June 4, 2005

Rick and Children,

I am so sorry for your loss. We are praying for you and your family at this time. May God wrap you and those precious children up in his arms and give you all of the comfort you need at this time. We are continuing to pray for you and your family. You are on the hearts of many in Clarksville and most especially at Hilldale. We love you.

Proverbs 3: 5-6

Peggy & Amanda

Mark & Christi

Dr. Philip Jones

June 4, 2005

Both Rick and Debbie are treasures of the Lord. I have appreciated your faithfulness to the Lord. This verse came to my mind and I share it with you: “The people who walked in darkness Have seen a great light; Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, Upon them a light has shined.” (Isaiah 9:2) Our church family is praying for yours.

Michelle Casey

June 3, 2005

Rick and kids,

Debbie was a wonderful person, Her smile is how I remember her best. I only knew her from seeing her at the school and football practice, Our childer all knew her well and thought the world of her.

Our warmest thoughts and prayer are with you all. God bless you.

Brian, Michelle, & Jacob Casey

William, Stephannie, Joey, Jalissa, & Jayton Willis

Christopher & Jayd Willis

Mary Sloan

June 3, 2005

Dear Brother Rick and family, I never had the honor of getting to know Debbie. I had only met her once but I will forever remember her as she sang for God-her face upturned, eyes closed and the Spirit washing over her. She will be dearly missed. God Bless you all, Mary

Denise Young

June 3, 2005

Brother Rick my heart goes out to you and your children during this sadden time. When I moved out to Oklahoma and have my troubled times you and Debbie along with CRBC family comforted me. Now that I have returned to Florida my prayers for you and your family is that God comforts you and keeps you strong in the days ahead.

Larry Robertson

June 3, 2005

Rick, I'm praying for you during these days. As you know, there are no words that "explain" what's happened, per se. But may God's Word encourage you--"If we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord's" (Romans 14:8). I love you, brother.

Lacey Harvell Long

June 3, 2005

I was shocked and saddened by the news of Debbie's passing, as was the whole community of Heavener. May God's love and strength get you through these times and be with each of you through these trials.



God bless and in Christ's Love,

Ginger Smith

June 3, 2005

Rick and Children,

Our hearts have been so heavy since we learned of Debbie's homegoing. We rejoice that she is at home with her Lord, but saddened for your loss of her presence. She was such a bubbly, precious lady and her life reflected her love for God, you and her babies. You have so many memories to keep in your hearts. We love you so much and we continue to lift you up. Colossians 1:3-6

Bell Family

June 3, 2005

Ms. Debbie as we all called her in her AM class at Indian Meridian Elementary, will always be with us in spirit and memory for everything she gave us as well as our children. I feel blessed to have had her in our lives.

Dora Jackson

June 3, 2005

Dear Rick, Words cannot express how I along with my girls feel in your loss of Debbie. I can see her smiling as she entered heaven. But it doesn't seem fair when we need our loved ones here with us, and we plan to grow old with our mate. Debbie will always hold a special place in my heart with all the good times we shared while at Eastman, and the things she helped me through. My heart goes out to you and the children. If I or my family can do anything for you all please let us know. In His Love

Dora, girls and families

Chris & Amber Pinnick

June 3, 2005

Brother Rick and kids,



I cannot even begin to imagine the multitude of emotions you all are experiencing at this time. Debbie was such a vivacious woman, wife, and mother. Rick, Chris and I were always so inspiried to hear you talk about Debbie. Your adoration for her was so refreshing! Please know that you all are in our prayers. I hope that the wonderful memories and stories of her life will comfort you all in this trying time. Take care of each other!

Shane & Cassie Williams

June 2, 2005

Pastor Rick,

We are so very sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. It just doesn't seem fair. Those are the same feelings that I experienced 2 years ago in the loss of my mother Margaret. You seemed to have all the right answers for us. I just wish I had all the right answers for you. Please remember that you and your family will be in our prayers daily. If there's anything that my family can do for you and your family please don't hesitate to let us know.

God Bless you.

Shane, Cassie, Brady & Thad

Williams

Bickel Family

June 2, 2005

Bro. Rick, Briana, Brady and Bryce,

We want to let you know that you are in our prayers. Thank you for sharing Debbie with us all. She is the perfect example of a Godly woman and we are blessed for having you all in our lives. May you find God's peace and comfort and know that your CRBC family loves you. God Bless you!

BJ, Jodi, Joey and Alex

Tommy, Virginia, Lucas & Shelby Davis

June 2, 2005

Rick, Briana, Brady & Bryce -



Our family is so saddened by the loss of precious Debbie. Debbie was truly in love with the Lord and it showed in everything she did and every word she spoke or so beautifully sang.



Her love for children was unequaled and I know our children's lives were blessed richly to have shared her time and talents. She gave us all an example to follow in dealing with our own children and the children of others through love, sacrafice, patience and grace.



Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and your extended family. Please let us know if we can do anything for you.



Bryce, we appreciate everything you bring to our Sunday School class. You are a blessing to us.

Amy Voelker

June 2, 2005

Pastor & Kids,



Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Debbie was a wonderful friend and choir buddy. Always smiling, her light just blasted out any darkness. She was such a inspiration.



Nothing will be the same & I am forever changed by Debbie's life. Thank God for the hope & knowledge that this story is not over & we WILL meet again in heaven!



Love you!

JONNIE myers

June 2, 2005

Dear Rick and children; My heart simply aches for your loss. I didn't know Debbie as well as others, but will always remember that everytime she entered a room, she lit it up. Your family was such a blessing to Heavener. My prayers are with you. Jonnie Myers

Lacey Harvell Long

June 2, 2005

Dear Rick and family,



May God's love give you the will and strength to get through this difficult time in your life. My family's prayers are with each of you in your own hearts.



God Bless and in Christ's Love,

Lawrence and Diana Davis

June 2, 2005

Bro Rick, Brianna, Brady, and Bryce



We just wanted all of you to know how very much you are loved by our whole family. We have witnessed the love and commitment you have shown for each other, and it is an amazing sight. Our hearts are very heavy but our faith is strong and we know that God needed Debbie for something really special.



We want to hug your necks so much, but we also know that you need this time to grieve in private. Just know that our prayers and love are with you every moment of every day.



We love you Debbie and we miss you so much, but we know we will see you again.



All our love,

Betty Jane DeFoor

June 2, 2005

Dear Rick,

You and Debbie brought so much inspiration to our lives. She will always be a precious memory. I can't help but remember the struggles you had as a young married couple and so open to express them to help others. There were so much love between you two. The story of your first date and how you were so surprised that she excepted and you had your friend to take pictures when you were out for proof you really got to go out with her...I loved the story...Our prayers and love are with you and the children..Betty Jane..children

John, Courtney, Johnna and Kyle (Eastman Baptist)

Tiffany & Kevin Smith

June 2, 2005

We love you guys and are still in shock over Debbie's passing. Her smile was so contagious and her love for her family and for the Lord was very evident. We pray for God's indescribable grace and comfort to engulf your family.

Cherie Finnie

June 2, 2005

Rick and kids,



I'm so sorry to hear of your loss, what I remember most about Debbie is that she always had a smile on her face, she had such a sweet spirit, she's truly dancing with the angels and walking a new life, theres so much we don't understand but God will carry you through this time. Peace of God be with you, The Finnies

Staff at Kelley Family Clinic

June 2, 2005

When Debbie would come into our office, she always wore a smile and touched our hearts with her kindness. We thank God that we had the opportunity to know Debbie. She was truly an inspiration to all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Toni Crossland O'Brien

June 2, 2005

Rick,

On behalf of the Crossland's we want you to know we have been praying for you and the kids to receive Gods peace through this time. Your family holds a very special place in our hearts. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers.



Claude, Vickie, Toni & Traci Crossland (Eastman Baptist Church, Overbrook, OK)

Tylar and Rebecca Colton

June 2, 2005

Rick and Kids,

We are blessed by the fact that we knew Debbie and she will be missed by us greatly. Words can't express the level of saddness our family has for you guys. Our tears and prayers are with you. Blessed are the pure in heart for they will see God.

Mark Luttrell

June 2, 2005

Rick,



It is so amazing for you to spend so much time with us at Tinker sharing God and his awesomeness with us. You shared about how difficult it was for Abraham to be a lone after Sarah died, but God was all sufficient for him and He is there in the midst of our trials. My favorite verse is ISAIAH 41:10; "Do not fear for I am with you, do not anxiously look about you for I am your God, I will strengten you and I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Rick, I really hurt for you, and I am praying for you!



With God's love,

JEANNA GOLDEN

June 2, 2005

MY CHILDREN AND I HAVE BEEN ATTENDING CHOCTAW ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH FOR ONLY A FEW MONTHS. I CAN'T REMEMBER A TIME WHERE DEBBIE DID NOT HAVE A SMILE ON HER FACE OR IN HER EYES. I AM KEEPING YOUR FAMILY IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. THE GOLDEN'S

David & Tracy Gunnels

June 2, 2005

Rick & kids,

Debbie was a wonderful person, beautiful inside and out. She was a great example to all she came in contact with, we are better people for knowing her. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. We are rejoicing for her & grieving with you. We love you guys and will be here if you ever need anything. God bless you with peace,

Nita Miley

June 2, 2005

Rick & Children:

I never met your wife, but I so thoroughly enjoyed your bible study on Thursdays at Tinker. Please know that you and the children will be in my thoughts and prayers. You already know that God will walk with you every step of the way during this "valley," so I won't waste your time in telling you that. Just know that we love you, but most of all, our Heavenly Father loves you more!

Gavin Evans

June 2, 2005

The wounds for us and especially Rick and the kids are so fresh and deep only God can bring the level of healing needed but for Debbie she is in the presence of her Savior and lived without regret.

Gayla Kugel

June 2, 2005

Rick,



I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I did attend your bible study here at Tinker with Jeff Catron. Please know I'm praying for you and your family to have peace through this trial. GOD BLESS YOU.



Gayla Kugel

736-3347

Gayla.Kugel@tinker

.af.mil

Linda Hall

June 2, 2005

Ms. Debbie's infectious smile and sweet spirit will always be remembered. My son, Jared, was in her afternoon Pre-K class at IME - what a great loss for the school,teachers and students! Jared smiles when he speaks of her and I know she was special to him. She had such a loving way with children and we were blessed to have her influence in our child's life. She is someone I wish I had gotten to know better - I look forward to that one day in heaven! Our prayers are with your family that God will sustain you as only He can. Love in Christ, Linda Hall

Donna, Dominic, and Christian Fabrizio

June 2, 2005

My children and I pray for you to have peace, strength, and comfort in coping with such a loss. There really aren't enough words to express our heartfelt sympathy.

Mark Cook

June 2, 2005

Our hearts and prayers are with Bro. Rick and his family during this time. Rick - You and your family are loved back in Clarksville. God received a special person in Debbie when she went home. Mark & Stephani Cook

Faye Stewart

June 2, 2005

Pastor Rick,

You're such a blessing to the Tinker family. My sincere regrets in the loss of your wife. May you find comfort knowing she's with our Lord.

Lynn Hilton and Family

June 2, 2005

Rick,

So sorry to hear about Debbie, I have always held dear memories of you both. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

John & Linda Short

June 2, 2005

Since we have been attending CRBC we have seen how much love and joy there is in the Sowell family. Our deepest sympathies to Rick, Briana, Brady & Bryce.

The Fountains

June 2, 2005

Rick, Briana, Brady and Bryce,

Words cannot express the emotions our family felt when we were told of Debbie's passing. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. One couldn't help but feel and see God's love when in Debbie's presence; there was an aura about her that just made you feel good!

We all would do well to learn and live from Debbie's example. Debbie will continue to live here on earth through you, you are her legacy; and through all the wonderful memories we carry in our hearts and minds. May GOD bless you and hold you close as he guides you through your pain. You all are in our prayers and should there be anything at all we can do to assist you during this trying time, please do not hesitate to call on us. Jeff, Brenda, Garrett and Wyatt

Kittie Richardson

June 2, 2005

I enjoyed helping and talking with you on Tuesday mornings when I came and tutored. You always had a smile and uplifting praies to the children when they arrived for school.

Mrs. Johnson

June 2, 2005

Debbie was a bubbly sweet soul, I know that her family will miss her greatly. She attended her child's basketball games with great joy. It was a pleasure to be in her company.

God bless you Debbie, you would not have gone home so early had God not decided that it was time, that you had completed what He had sent you here for. Give everyone a loving hug from us please?

In His care.

Marion and Laverne Hilton

June 2, 2005

Rick,

All our Love and Prayers are with you and your children.

Adrienne Gilbreath

June 2, 2005

Our prayers are with all of you. Debbie was a wonderful woman and inspiration.

Mike and Liz Smith

June 2, 2005

Family



We are deeply hurt by your loss. Words cannot express the depth of pain that you are feeling. Your faith and love for life - family will carry you thru the upcoming trials. Debbie was an amazing woman whom our family considers blessed to have been part of her life. Those memories will forever stay in our hearts.

Kevin & Tonya Janis

June 2, 2005

Rick and kids,

Myself, Tonya, and the Boys are extremely grateful to have been a part of Debbies's life. You all are in our prayers, we know God will take you through this. Lean on him for all, if there is anything we can do let us know, Please. We love you guys!!!

Jamie Mills

June 2, 2005

Debbie was the epitome of an all-around good person. We all looked up to her as the ultimate mother, wife and friend.

Doug and Julie Burdette

June 2, 2005

Our prayers, thoughts and sympathies are with your family. Our pastor, Tom Eliff, told us at First Southern about your loss and what a wonderful family you have. The whole community has lost someone very special.

Denise Sherrill

June 2, 2005

With heavy hearts we say goodbye for now, with the knowledge we will see you again. The brief time we have known Debbie has m ade a great impact on my life and the lives of our children. Thanks for being such a wonderful person.

Bill & Lynne Pitchford

June 2, 2005

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in all that you are going through - both day and night. Know that there are many of us "Praying you through."



Debbie's love for God, family & others and her very special "bubbly" personality wind their way through our memories and form a picture of a true gift from God.



May each of you feel God's comfort and strength in the days ahead, and know that there are many weaving prayers all around you.



Praying you through, Bill and Lynne

Showing 1 - 68 of 68 results

Make a Donation
in Debbie Sowell's name

Memorial Events
for Debbie Sowell

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Debbie's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Debbie Sowell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more