© Bishop Funeral Home
Submitted by: Carol Spear Rice

Debra Ann (Bonham) Boatner, affectionately known as Debbie, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2024, in her hometown of McAlester, Oklahoma. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 21 at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 22, 2024 at Bishop Chapel of Memories officiated by Rev. Jamie Kirkpatrick and Pastor Loy Durbin. Burial will follow at Indianola Cemetery, Indianola. Pallbearers will be Dusty Wilson, Mark Bonham, Matthew Bonham, Billy Joe Boatner, Bill Pemberton, Jerry Faith, Josh Roberts and Coby Petty. Honorary pallbearers will be Jason Bonham, Bowdy Houston, Logan Wilson and Jack Summers. Born on May 19, 1955, to Ranol O. and Ava Nadene Bonham, Debbie's life was a testament to her loving, kind, and selfless nature. Debbie was a beacon of light in the lives of everyone she touched. She graduated from Savanna High School in 1973. She married the love of her life, Charles A. Boatner, on her birthday, May 19, 1973 in Texas. Together, they built a life filled with love and laughter until Charles' passing on February 28, 2021. Debbie was also preceded in death by her parents, Ranol and Nadene Bonham, her son Charles "Charlie Brown" Boatner, Jr., grandson Jacob Jennings Boatner, her siblings Judy Priebe, Mary Schultz, and Billy Bonham and a nephew, Glenn Cravins Her legacy continues through her loving family. She is survived by her son, Chad Boatner and his wife Sherry; daughter-in-law, Shannon Boatner; son, Billy Joe Boatner; daughters, Chasity Boatner, Sarah Wilson and her husband Dusty; grandchildren, Jaden Ann Boatner, Krystian Jennings Boatner and her husband Bowdy Houston, Logan Wilson, Riley Wilson; great-grandchildren, Rhettly Houston, Evvy Houston; and her siblings Martha Dunn, Linda Williams, Eva Lovelady, LaVonna Santino, Ruth Rainbolt and her husband Eric, David Bonham, Mark Bonham and his wife Annette; brother-in-law, Dean Boatner and his wife Betty; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, numerous foster children, other family members, and friends. Debbie dedicated her life to caring for others. She began her career in healthcare as a caregiver in a nursing home and eventually worked for Heartland Hospice. Her compassion extended beyond her professional life as she opened her home and heart as a foster parent for over 20 years. Debbie was known as "Grandma" to many, embodying the very essence of unconditional love and care. An active and devoted member of Fellowship Free Will Baptist Church, Debbie's faith was the cornerstone of her life. She found great joy in her younger years camping, but her passion for fishing, especially crappie fishing with her sister Mary, was unmatched. Debbie's hobbies also included sewing and visiting garage sales, but her greatest pleasure was cooking for her family, a true expression of her nurturing spirit. Debbie's life was a living example of the well-known quote by Mother Teresa, "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love." This simple yet profound philosophy was evident in every aspect of her life, from her work to her personal relationships. Her departure leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her memory will be cherished and celebrated for generations to come. Debbie's unwavering love, her selfless acts of kindness, and her dedication to her family and community will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known her. Debra Ann (Bonham) Boatner's story is not one of sorrow but a celebration of a life well-lived, a journey marked by the immeasurable impact she had on the lives of others. As we bid farewell to Debbie, we hold onto the cherished memories and the lessons of love and kindness she imparted. Her spirit will forever be a guiding light, reminding us of the beauty and strength of a life dedicated to the service of others.