Deborah “Debbie” Kay Utley
1954-2023
Deborah Kay (Smith) Utley, 69, of Edmond, Oklahoma, ran into the arms of Jesus on July 9, 2023, after battling many health struggles over the years. She was born on April 21, 1954, at Wainwright Army Base in Fairbanks, Alaska to her parents, Anna (Kirk) Smith and Leo Smith. Debbie grew up in Coalgate, Oklahoma and attended East Central University and Southeastern State University and graduated with her master’s in education. She devoted her life and career to shaping and molding young minds, teaching was her passion. Mrs. Utley taught for 35 years in many Oklahoma public schools including Fox, Healdton, Lone Grove, Byng and Edmond, as well as teaching 3 years in Tye, Texas. She was a National Board Certified Teacher as well as a Reading Specialist. She was an amazing teacher and blessed so many over her career. She married the love her life, Robert Utley, on May 24, 1974. They were devoted to the Lord and had His love for people. They mentored & helped many young couples, and families throughout the years. Their legacy will live on. Debbie is preceded in death by her love, Robert, her parents, Leo and Anna Smith, brother-in-law, Mark Mitchell, in-laws, Leo and Hazel Utley, brother-in-law, George Henderson. She is survived by her daughter, Karyn Johnson and husband Damon (Edmond), her precious granddaughters Lily & Addy Johnson, as well as her sister, Donna Mitchell (Joshua, Tx), dearest cousin, Jan Conway, and son Christopher (Tulsa, OK), sister-in-law, Lori Henderson (Arlington, Tx) brother-in-law Jim Utley and wife Sandy (Sherman, Tx) and many more cousins, nieces and nephews.
Debbie had a true servant’s heart; she was happiest when she was being a blessing to someone else. Her granddaughters brought her the most joy, she loved them both with all her heart.
In lieu of flowers, please bring children’s books so we can donate them to 1st year teachers or schools in need or do a kind gesture (on her behalf) to bless someone else!
The family will greet friends for the visitation at Matthew’s Funeral Home in Edmond, on Friday, July 14th, 5:30-7:30 PM and then a private burial on Saturday morning. Debbie’s Celebration of Life Service will be Saturday, July 15th at Memorial Road Church of Christ at 11 AM.