Deborah “Debbie” Lynn Temples, 71 of Dexter Missouri, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022. Debbie was born on October 29, 1950, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to parents Cinda Miller Temples of Dexter Missouri and Alvin “Jim” Lee Temples, Sr. (deceased).

Debbie was a beloved sister to Rebecca “Becky” Kyle and Alvin Lee Temples, Jr. (deceased).

Before his untimely death, Jim would escort Debbie to the farm and show her the baby cows, which was always a delight to see. She was especially fond of the time her dad spent with her riding horses.

Debbie was an avid shopper and never passed up an opportunity to hit the aisles wherever she was. She made many friends over the years and was especially loved by all of her “boyfriends”.

Debbie lived in the Boucher Street and Walnut Street groups homes for over 25 years. During that time, she stayed active with ARC activities, including participation in Special Olympics events, enjoyed attending dances, and listening to her prized records. George Jones, Elvis Presley, and Charley Pride were a few of her favorites.

She loved visiting her family on the weekends. They often attended church together and she talked to mom every day on the phone. Besides eating out, Debbie loved to cook steak or fry fish with her brother.

Debbie spent the last 15 years of her life in an assisted living apartment and was lovingly cared for by the staff of Crossroads ISL. Her caregivers were like a second family to her, and she was cared for with dignity in her home until her death.

The family would like to give special thanks to Paula Farmer, co-owner of Crossroads ISL that oversaw Debbie’s care. They provided her, not only with practical life services, but countless activities and experiences that enriched her life and those of countless others.

Please direct donations to the Missouri Special Olympics, 305 Special Olympics Drive, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101 or the Stoddard County ARC, PO Box 444, Dexter, Missouri 63841

Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Friday, July 29, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, July 29, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will follow in the Chalk Bluff Cemetery.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.