Debra Sue Reynolds (Russom)

Debra Sue Reynolds, 68, Grain Valley, Missouri, first saw the face of her Savior on Thursday, March 30, 2023, after a brave battle with cancer. Because she placed her faith in Jesus as a child, Debbie is now fully healed, worshiping wholeheartedly today in the presence of Christ.

Debbie was born on July 25, 1954, in St. Charles, Missouri, to JV and Anna (Matthews) Russom. After graduating from Northwest High School in House Springs, Missouri, in 1972, Debbie went on to study Elementary Education at Tennessee Temple University. In 1999, she received her Master’s Degree in Christian Education from Heart of America Seminary.

Debbie started her teaching career in 1976 and taught until 2022. Known for her gentleness, creativity, and humor, she was often invited to lead educational workshops around the country. She always had time for her students, past or present.

Apart from her relationship with God, Debbie’s family was her greatest joy and biggest priority. Married on July 23, 1976, Debbie and Gary Reynolds were married for thirty-five years and share four beautiful daughters. Debbie was an active member of Abundant Life Church and loved being part of the singles group there.

When the news of cancer came in July 2022, Debbie’s daughters were deeply grieved, but also greatly honored to walk the path of pain and tears with her for eight months. God was gracious to give Debbie a brief remission and time together with her girls at Disney World in October. While they take great comfort in knowing their mom is now free of pain and cancer, they will miss her immensely.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother-in-law Rick Halbrook. She is survived by her daughter Charity (Matt) Tucker, Kaden, Ethan, Maddie, and Emma; daughter Christan (Robert) Zeit, Elijah, Braxton, and Anna; daughter Heather (Mike) Holiday, Landon, Alyssa, Cambriana, and Hayden; and daughter Jennifer (Kirk) Nungester, Kolston, Brantley, Tate, Ellianna, and Archer; her sister Lynda Halbrook; her brother Steve (Lisa) Russom; and several nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Monday at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 East 39th St S, Independence, Missouri, from 6–8 p.m., with a funeral service on Tuesday at Abundant Life Church, 410 SW Persels Rd, Lee's Summit, Missouri, in the Admin Building at 10 a.m. Burial will be in the Lobb Cemetery in Blue Springs.

Flowers and plants are welcome, as are memorials made to Summit Christian Academy Teacher Resources, 1450 SW Jefferson Street, Lee’s Summit, MO, 64081, in memory of Debbie Reynolds.