Deborah Marie Lea Patrick was presented to her adoring family by her parents, James & Shirley Patrick, on March 9, 1973 as the youngest of their four children.  Her place of birth and forever home was the historic city of Independence, MO.  She peacefully departed her earthly life with her family by her side on May 21, 2022. Debbie was only 49 years old. To know Debbie was to love Debbie! Her sweet smile and dynamic personality will be remembered most…even in the midst of trials and pain. She handled life and all that it doled out with grace and dignity, rarely sharing her personal struggles or need for help. While these character traits were to be admired, there were burdens she carried that were kept hidden from sight. As many know, Debbie was diagnosed with an aggressive and rare form of cancer in late 2019. Over the course of the last 3 years, she underwent radiation, chemotherapy, more radiation, immunotherapy, and more chemotherapy. The toll these treatments took on her body (and mind) was overwhelming some days. She found a song that spoke to her early in her cancer journey and she posted on social media, “I am claiming this song as my anthem; it’s just too fitting to ignore!” Some of the words to that song by Matt Maher are, “Joy still comes in the morning. Hope still walks with the hurting. If you’re still alive and breathing, Praise the Lord! Don’t stop dancing and dreaming.  There’s still good news worth repeating. So, lift your head and keep singing, Praise the Lord!” Deb loved music! God blessed Debbie with a beautiful voice and she developed that talent through the years. Debbie spent several years at Eastpoint Family Church as a member of the worship team and later as a worship leader.  She dedicated much time to this role and thoroughly loved being a member of this church family. It was in the Eastpoint congregation that Debbie got to spend time working side by side with her oldest brother, Dan, and sister-in-law Mary. This was time that she cherished. Family was important to Debbie. She was fortunate to have been raised in an active, Christian family that was inside the church anytime the doors were open! The Patrick family attended Berean Baptist Church for most of Debbie’s early life.  Later, they attended Heart of America Christian Fellowship Church. Debbie attended and graduated from the private, Christian school that was affiliated with the church; Heart of America Christian Academy, class of 1991. After graduation, Debbie worked in the church daycare for a while. Following that time, she went to work for UMKC Law School in the continuing education department as a credit coordinator and marketing assistant. In 1994 she was given the opportunity to travel with the department to England! She was so excited to go on such an adventure! This trip would represent the only stamp in her passport. Her desire was to travel the world! After working at the law school, she went to work for Embassy Suites hotels. She was a valued member of their team for several years. There, she worked in the reservations department, maintenance department, and the business/front office. Yes, the maintenance department! If you knew Debbie, you also knew that she was an independent and resourceful gal! She wasn’t afraid of tackling tough projects. There was nothing unusual about finding her hanging off a ladder to string outdoor Christmas lights, under the hood of the car changing a water pump, on the floor of the living room wiring an outlet, standing on a chair to wire and hang a ceiling fan, replacing plumbing under a bathroom vanity, or using a power saw to remove and relocate a door & frame that just needed to be moved over a few feet! She paid attention when her daddy fixed stuff. She was simply amazing and fiercely independent, much like her momma! Deb’s drive for independence was strong! She never thought she’d find the love of her life and marry. She always planned on having to be able to care for herself. Deb married Noah in 2010. Noah left the marriage mid-2021. During the last 11 months, Debbie allowed her family to step up and help weather the storm that she was left to battle alone. As a family, we were honored that she accepted our help, strength, love, and support. Debbie referenced a quote recently that bears sharing. From author Cayla Mills, “You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” Debbie started each day with prayer and devotion, even if it was a day, she couldn’t muster the strength to get out of bed. She found the courage to face each day’s pain and suffering. She never asked God, “Why me?” Never. One of her last social media posts regarding her cancer journey was, “…. I continue to rely on God and his healing.” Debbie’s work family has been a huge source of strength for her during the last few years. She spoke of those she worked with so highly–almost as if they were her biological family! One of her peers sent the following statement about her time with Debbie: Since September 2016 Debbie has been employed at ARC Physical Therapy+ (Plus) working as an Accounts Receivable Liaison.  Deb provided support for all twenty-eight clinics by handling accounts payable, medical records, clinical license renewal and continuing education processes.  She made an impact daily in her role from ensuring the electric bill was paid to working with staff members to get expenses reimbursed.  She will be greatly missed by her work family. Her earthly family will be lost without her! Her sister, brother, sister-in-law’s, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins will hold fond memories in our hearts. We’ll choose to remember the good times, the happy times, and even the sorrows we’ve shared. Her smile will live on as we look at photos and share the stories and miracles of her life with others. A few weeks ago, a song came on the radio that her sister-in-law, Dani, shared with her. Dani had been alongside Debbie every moment of this cancer walk and was at a loss for words of encouragement as of late. This song became a daily prayer on Deb’s behalf when the words to pray just didn’t come.

In Jesus Name (God of Possible)

by Katy Nichole

I speak the name of Jesus over you.
In your hurting, in your sorrow-
I will ask my God to move.
I speak the name ’cause it’s all that I can do.
In desperation, I’ll seek Heaven-
And pray this for you.

I pray for your healing.
That circumstances would change.
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name.
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today.
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name, in Jesus name.

I speak the name of all authority.
Declaring blessings, every promise-
He is faithful to keep.
I speak the name no grave could ever hold.
He is greater, He is stronger-
He’s the God of possible.

I pray for your healing.
That circumstances would change.
I pray that the fear inside would flee in Jesus name.
I pray that a breakthrough would happen today.
I pray miracles over your life in Jesus name.
In Jesus name.

In the early morning hours of May 21^st, her brother, David, spoke the name of Jesus over his precious little sister. We asked our God to move. It was all we could do. In desperation, we sought Heaven. We prayed for her healing. We prayed that circumstances would change. We prayed that any fear she had inside would flee in Jesus name. We prayed for a breakthrough to happen that day. We prayed miracles over her life, in Jesus name. Our prayers were heard. He did move. He heard our desperate cries for healing and for her circumstance to change. He took her fear. The miracle was that he took her home to heal her and change her circumstance, there, not here. It wasn’t meant to happen on this side of Heaven. What a blessing to be witness to such an incredible life! A life that honored God. A life that was a witness for the truth. In January of the present year Debbie texted Dani a resolution of sorts. It read, “My goals for 2022:  Start with Jesus. Stay with Jesus. End with Jesus.” That’s just what she did!

Those that have gone on before include Debbie’s mom, Shirley (1995); her dad, James (2019); her oldest brother, Daniel (2012); and her best friend, Kala (2016).

Debbie leaves behind many loved ones: Sister, Donna Jones (John, Jessica, Sylvanna, Abigail, JohnMark, & Matthew). Sister-in-law, Mary Patrick (Daniel & Joel). Brother, David Patrick (Dani, Jackson, & Julieann). Plus, several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, & cousins.

Visitation will be 11:00am-12:00pm Saturday June 4, 2022 at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home; Independence, MO. Funeral to follow at 12:00pm. Burial at New Salem Cemetery. Contributions toward a headstone for Debbie’s final resting place will be accepted by her brother, David Patrick, or sister-in-law, Dani Patrick. Please indicate “headstone” on the check memo line. Thank you for loving Debbie and being a part of her brief time on this earth!

Obituary submitted by family

Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home Independence, MO 816-796-8600