Debbie Jean Thomas

Debbie was a resident of Edmond, Oklahoma since July 2013, previously from Wichita and Andover, Kansas. She was born to Jay and Shirley Jenine McEndree (née Helm) on October 25, 1955 in Wichita, Kansas. She lived there most of her life, where she met and married Jay Thomas on December 6, 1981.

Debbie was preceded in death by her mother, father and several aunts and uncles. She is survived by her spouse, Jay; daughter, Michelle Jeanette (Justin) Clark; son, Jason Ryan (Liz Kellam) Thomas; grandchildren, Mick (Michaella) and David; sisters, Julie Lynn (Greg) Baker and Vicki Gail (George) Granberry III; several nieces and nephews; and many good, lifelong and dear friends.

Debbie went to USD #259 schools, Allen Elementary School, Curtis Junior High and Southeast High School. She continued friendships from that time of her life, even to her final days. She went to Wesley School of Nursing setting her professional life in healthcare. Debbie continued her professional training gaining a Bachelor’s in Nursing from Kansas Newman College and Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Friends University. Her professional career took her to many disciplines within the healthcare field culminating with a position with the Robert J. Dole Memorial Veterans Administration Hospital as the Director of Quality and Risk Management before leaving Wichita and moving with her husband to Edmond. After retiring from corporate life she opened her own nursing consulting business.

Debbie joined Acts2 United Methodists Church in June 2018 after an exhausting search for a church family that fit her open, accepting and welcoming attitudes. She participated in several social and bible groups and worked to establish a Congregational Care Team for ministering to the needs of her church family. She volunteered with Skyline Ministries where she used her learned and instinctive skills providing health screens and guidance to their clients.

Debbie enjoyed very much traveling and her grandkids. She was an avid reader and belonged to several book clubs throughout her life finding the friendships there, very meaningful and gratifying.

At the end, Debbie’s life was consumed with her battle against her aliment. Dr. Abby Bova, from the Mercy Cancer Center – Coletta, provided for her care and comfort, dedicated to Debbie’s desire to fight. Because of her efforts and care the family wishes to especially thank her for what she was able to do for Debbie.

In lieu of flowers the family prefers any memorials be made in her name to the Mercy Health Foundation for Oklahoma City or American Cancer Society to continue her battle against that disease.