Deborah K. Mullen, age 71, passed peacefully from this life on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 11:29 a.m. Debbie lived a full and beautiful life marked by friendship, compassion, faith, and laughter. Nothing brought her more joy than bringing a smile to someone else’s day.

Born on September 23, 1953, in Brinkley, Arkansas, Debbie unofficially held the family record for most moves—living in 25 different homes across Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas. She often reflected that while moving frequently as a child was difficult, it became one of life’s unexpected blessings. As an adult, it allowed her to meet wonderful people in many places, forge lasting friendships, and collect cherished memories. In her later days, the recollection of these connections brought her deep comfort and gratitude.

Debbie’s life was anchored by her deep and abiding faith. From childhood to her final breath, she lived in constant and growing connection with God. Her church was more than a place of worship—it was her refuge, her community, and her source of strength. She thrived in the love and fellowship she found there. This faith was not only the cornerstone of her life but also the foundation of her peace in death. Debbie faced her final days with a calm assurance, knowing that death was not an end but the doorway to the life and peace she had always longed for.

At her core, Debbie was a nurturer. Whether through family, faith, work, or friendship, she found purpose in bringing comfort and value to the lives around her. She cherished her role as a mother to her two children, Kelli and Cliff, but her care and compassion extended far beyond her immediate family. She found a meaningful outlet for that love working at Liberty Middle School in Liberty, Missouri. To administrators, custodians, students, and parents alike, Debbie was a bright light—always ready to serve, encourage, or simply lift someone’s spirits. She believed her work had little to do with titles and everything to do with making one person’s day a little better. Her absence will leave a noticeable space in the lives of all who experienced her warmth and generosity.

Debbie is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Kelli and Tony Holman; her son and daughter-in-law, Cliff and Laura Mullen; her beloved grandchildren Aidan, Ryla, and Noah Mullen; her sister and brother-in-law, Becky and Charlie Guthrie; her sister and brother-in-law, Pam and Sam Barone; and her sister Paulette Sullivan.

Debbie will be deeply missed by all who knew her. But those who loved her take comfort in knowing that she has now entered into the peace, rest, and joy she so deeply believed in and so richly deserves.

Visitation for Debbie will be held at the Greenlawn Funeral Home East location in Springfield, MO at 2:00 on June 28 followed by a funeral service at 3:00.

In lieu of flowers, Debbie requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Center (alzheimersinfo.org).