Debbie Robinson, 66, departed this life and entered her Heavenly home on Monday, September 18, 2023 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Debbie was born Monday, January 28th, 1957, in Rotan, Texas, to Bill Ray Marr and Thelma “Jolly” Jean (Bond) Marr.
Debbie grew up and graduated from Achille High School. She married her sweetheart, Gary Ray Robinson, on October 11, 1975 in Armstrong, Okla. Debbie attended SOSU and earned her bachelor’s degree in teaching, then furthered her education by obtaining her master’s degree. She began her teaching career in Wapanucka, then taught at Yuba, Achille, and Denison, spending more than 35 years in the classroom. She loved bringing literature to life for her students to help them learn from it and enjoy it; this made her a favorite English teacher of many of those who stepped inside her classroom. She found creative ways to engage her students, from taking them see live theater performances in Dallas to helping some of her classes create their own theater magic and perform it on the stage.
Debbie enjoyed “getting in her steps” with long walks, often driving to some of her favorite places to take a stroll. She found joy in quilting and attending quilting retreats. She loved taking trips—whether it be a memorable road trip to Yellowstone with family, a tour of Scotland with good friends, or spending time on the beach in Galveston. She enjoyed the company of a good book, and she could captivate an audience with the ghost stories of Fort Washita. She did some story writing of her own, too, when she had the opportunity to spend time at the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow in Eureka Springs. She was involved with the Women Rock organization and enjoyed the friendships and trips she got to experience with the women she met there.
She often expressed that her children brought her some of the greatest joy of her life, and her love for them was evident in the selfless support she gave them. She was especially excited when she got to meet her grandson and be “GrandDeb.” Her legacy of love provided a sturdy foundation for her family.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gary on August 4, 2012; and parents-in-law, Bob and Wanda Robinson.
She is survived by her daughter, Jonda Lynn Robinson Motney and her husband, Jonathan, with their son, Miles Ray, of McKinney, Texas; son, Scott Robinson and his significant other, Kara Winter, of Durant, Okla.; brother, Billy Marr and his wife, Angelia, of Durant, Okla.; brother-in-law, Roy Lynn Robinson and his wife, Ann, of Mineola, Texas; nieces, April Mayo and her husband, Tim, and Kimberly Marr; and a nephew, Trey Marr and his wife, Leah, with their children Canon and Chandler.
A Celebration of Life Services for Debbie Robinson will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at Brown’s Funeral Home chapel in Durant with Pastor James Poulain officiating.
A memorial visitation will be held from 6-8 PM on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023, at Brown’s Funeral Home in Durant.
Services are under the direction of Brown’s Funeral and Cremation Services, Durant.
