(Boardman) Prather, Deborah "Debbie" Kay
Obituary
Deborah Kay Boardman Prather, “Debbie”, age 67, beloved mother, mother-in-law, grandma, sister, aunt, cousin, friend, and HandyMa’am died in Frisco, TX on Sunday, November 10, 2019. After a long and courageous fight, she succumbed to a quiet, insidious disease: depression. Debbie suffered valiantly through the ravages of this physically transparent illness for many, many years. Depression is a brain disease that is as deadly and as blame-free as cancer or heart disease, though not yet as effectively treated. She was born in Hereford, Texas on January 13, 1952, where after graduation, she worked for Armour Meat Packing Plant until 1981, when she moved to Dallas and worked for Southwest Home Furnishings Association. She earned her Associate in Applied Arts & Sciences degree in 1989. She lived in Springfield, MO until 2001, when she moved back to Dallas to work for International Home Furnishings in the World Trade Center. In 2013 her entrepreneurial spirit resulted in her innovative and very satisfying business called “HandyMa’am”, with the vision of “call me for the Honey Do’s that Honey Doesn’t” from which she semi-retired to flirt with retirement in 2018. She is survived by her daughter, Nancy Lynn Prather Smith, son-in-law, Glenn Smith, three granddaughters, Logan, Brynn and Tegan Smith; three sisters, Nancy Boardman Stevens, Linda Boardman Fite and Dee Dee Boardman Brunson; two brothers-in-law, Paul Fite and Jerry Brunson; six nieces, Debbie Gray, Sharon Hughes, Justine Cogan-Gunn, Helen Hedrick, Amber Fite, and Tracy Gilley Moore; five nephews, Nathan Gunn, Robert Gray, Ben Hughes, Paul Fite IV, and J.Wes Moore; fourteen great-nieces and nephews, Justin Gray, Shaylynn Gray Cherry, Tyler Cherry, Trinity MacLeod Greenwell, Kevin Greenwell, Matthew MacLeod, BJ, Cody Jay, and Travis Hughes; William, Maddie, and Ethan Hedrick; Danielle & Jen Hale and their daughter Gayden; Maisie Cogan Gunn; Bree, Hazel, & Summer Fite, and Ta’Korria and Montez Perkins; seven newly acquired Moore nephews and nieces; a passel of very special cousins in New Mexico, Missouri, Minnesota, and Florida; and her long-time friend Ken Fuller. Debbie was greeted in heaven by her parents, Irene and Herb Boardman, her brother-in-law, Dean Stevens, her niece, Casey MacLeod, and many other loved ones. Debbie was known for her innovative problem-solving, her “Lady-Gaga-esque” outfits, her bright and sunny disposition, and her ability to blend goofiness and fun with an incredible gift for getting things done. Her approach to solving a problem was always a fresh and unique one that would not have occurred to anyone else, but demonstrated brilliance once it was accomplished. She spread love wherever she went and was truly one of a kind, with a generous servant’s heart. She will forever be missed by all who knew her. A brief and informal celebration of her life was held on Saturday, November 16, 2019 from 2-5 pm at Lakeview Christian Church, 3307 Bobtown Road in Garland. Additional celebrations of life will be held in Albuquerque, NM next year, as well as Hereford, TX and Rochester, NY. Updates of that information will be shared as it is finalized.
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very tragic period.
Thinking of you Nancy with love, and wishing you peace and comfort ❤️
Nancy, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I am sure you will miss your mom greatly.
My most heartfelt condolences to the Boardman, Prather, and Fuller families. I spent many happy hours in the company of the Boardman family, during my youth, growing up in HEREFORD. Debbie was a sweet and gentle spirit. I haven’t seen her in many years, but as her photo reflects, she looks so very much like her beautiful mother.
Prayers for your comfort and peace.
So sorry for your loss. I grew up with Nancy, just down the road in Hereford. My prayers go out for your family.
My love, my prayers to this family. I went to high school with LINDA and wish her love and comfort at this time. Words aren’t enough, but I do wish you the peace that passeth all understanding.
❤️ ❤️
On Monday evening, a group of friends got together to remember Debbie. We took turns talking about the times she showed kindness to us: she cooked dinner, came to fix our homes, and invited us more than once to her apartment. We also rejoiced remembering her festive spirit and her willingness to help everyone she met. We talked about the last time each of us saw her, and after an hour of conversation, we all agreed in one thing: No matter the circumstances, Debbie went out of her way to make us feel loved and appreciated.
We will miss you, dear Debbie.
Melody, Shari, Martha, Katherine, Carrie and Biviana.
I cannot believe I will no longer run into Debbie in the parking lot of the Unity Church on Forest Lane in Dallas… But, I am certain that I will hear her laugh on the wind; and the next time I’m working on a home improvement project, I may ask her for some help! She probably marched up to the pearly gates and told them if they needed better lighting; she could install some Daylight bulbs for them! Love & blessings to those she left behind – Ellen Key, Plano, TX
I always appreciate Debbie’s spirit – gentleness and loving kindness. i am so sorry for your loss.
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers for all.
I was always in awe of Debbie. I looked up to her for not only her strength and compassion but her huge loving heart. God bless her and all of her family
I’m so sorry to hear this ☹️. I first met DEBBIE when she lived in Springfield. I traveled to Dallas several times to visit DEBBIE.
My heart hurts at this time having questions and no answers . I loved DEBBIE so much and appreciated her for all she was.
She so loved her daughter and family so much and I’ve watched many wonderful videos of those beautiful granddaughters. She was always so excited about the family.
I will be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Fly high DEBBIE.
I love you,
Jill
Always lives and always our hearts. The Boardmans
Debbie was always the brightest light in the room. She spread love where ever she went. I will miss her so much. I surround her daughter and family with love.
Debbie was my sister-in-law and I love her. She’s the only sister-in-law I’ve ever had who came with her own complete set of power tools!
Love and prayers for Debbie and all her loved ones.
Mary
I’m so very sorry that this bright light has transitioned from this planet. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time.
I’m so sorry for the loss of Debbie. She was a very sweet lady. Many prayers to her family and friends.