Debra Jean Bonham

Debra "Debbie" Jean Bonham

Devoted Wife, Mother & Nana

Debbie entered heaven’s gates and into the presence of her Lord and Savior on July 26th, 2024, with her family by her side. Always one to wear her rose-colored glasses, Debbie lived a full life in her 64 years with us.

Debbie was born on July 21, 1960 in Edmond, Oklahoma to George and Carol (Barnett) Blevins. The hospital where Debbie was born was in the top story of a building with a movie theater below it. She and her sister, Terri, would later joke about what was playing the day they were each born.

Her early education began in Vinita, OK, then on to Broken Arrow, OK and lastly, to Copan, OK. Here, she made lifelong friendships and school memories, as she enjoyed playing basketball, softball and cheerleading at all the games. She graduated from Copan with the class of 1978. From here, Debbie went on to attend college at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College, where she was a Norse Star on their dance team and a women’s basketball team manager. She finished her higher education at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, graduating with Magna Cum Laude honors.

On June 25, 1982, she married the love of her life, Bruce Bonham, in Copan, OK. They were blessed with four children; Kristin, Kourtney, Colby and Chris. Later, giving them their most precious treasures; their eight grandchildren. Debbie had many talents, but her family and being a Nana was the top priority in her life. 

Raising their family in Claremore, OK., Debbie was a public school teacher in the Claremore district for 40 years. She started her career teaching 5th grade at Leeper Elementary then on to Westside Elementary where she taught 3rd grade, and finishing her teaching career as the gifted and talented teacher at both Westside and Catalayah schools. Being nominated for many different distinctions, such as teacher of the year and other awards, Debbie was not only an extraordinary educator, but a mentor to many of her peers. This was her unique gift. 

Debbie retired in 2022, living life to the fullest with her husband, Bruce, at their home at Hooty Creek in the Tiawah Hills. She enjoyed more time with her kids and grandkids, going on vacations together and living her “glass half-full” life.

Debbie is survived by her best friend and husband, Bruce Bonham, of the home (Tiawah, OK). Her four children; Kristin Decker and husband, Matt (Tulsa, OK), Kourtney Clark and husband, Drake (Pryor, OK), Colby Bonham (Tiawah, OK), and Chris Bonham (Tiawah, OK). Her grandchildren; Abbey Bonham, Kaleb Decker, Isaiah Decker, Hannah Decker, Lydia Decker, Eliza Decker, Kenzie Mae Clark and Drew Clark. Her dad and stepmom; George Blevins and Rachael Blevins (Bartlesville, OK). Her sister; Terri Cook and husband, Tom (Bartlesville, OK), and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues and friends.

Going on to heaven before her was her mother Carol (Barnett) Blevins, and her brother Kenny Blevins.

Debbie was a true believer and saint, being a member of the body of Christ at Grace Life Church in Pryor. Her teaching talents continued here as a Sunday school teacher, as she was the beloved "fun crafts and snacks teacher". Her life was a living testimony to every person blessed to be in it. "Jesus carried her", as she put it, through every trial. We are certain this is true, as He holds her now.

Services for Debbie will be held on Monday morning, August 5 at 10:00 AM at Grace Life Church in Pryor, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery in Caney, Kansas. For those not able to attend the service, There will be a visitation on Sunday, August 4 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, with family receiving guests from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at MMS-Payne Funeral Homes in Claremore, OK. Flowers can be sent to MMS-Payne Funeral Home. Cards, donations and other condolences can be sent to her daughter; Kourtney Clark at 344 E. 498 Circle , Pryor, OK 74361