Sunday, December 10, 2023
Debbie Sue Barton passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 5, 2023, at her home in Fort Worth.
A memorial service was held at 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10, in Biggers Funeral Chapel, 6100 Azle Avenue, Lake Worth, TX 76135.
Debbie was born at Harris Hospital in Fort Worth on Jan. 18, 1960, to parents Sue Carol Gantt and Kenneth Leon Short. She attended Azle High School and earned her Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification through the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Debbie dedicated her professional life to healthcare, serving for many years as an emergency room technician, emergency medical technician, and volunteer firefighter. She was shaped and supported by her JPS family, whom she loved dearly for over 25 years. Her warmth and nurturing spirit extended beyond the hospital walls to the blessed many that knew her. She was Momma, Mimi, Mama Bear, Nana and Mean Debbie. Every stranger was a friend, and every friend was family. She showed unwavering devotion and dedication to the support and care for her many loved ones, so often putting the well-being of others before her own. She could always be counted on for help and had a special place in her heart for animals. She was quick to pet sit for friends, helped care for the many animals on her sister’s farm, and even rescued baby skunks, but she was especially proud of her two cats Calie Sue and Darcy Sue.
Debbie lived her life to the fullest; she was a fun-loving free spirit with a great sense of humor and perfectly manicured feet. A self-described “gypsy,” Debbie was always ready for adventure. Whether it was game night at the Wahoo board or the bingo hall with a cold Dr. Pepper, a quick trip to Natalie’s Snow Cone Stand, or a lush tropical cruise, you could always depend on her to be an enthusiastic partner in crime. She loved traveling and was especially fond of snowy Christmases in Utah, warm sandy beaches, and luxe boutique shopping. While she will be missed dearly, we celebrate a life well-lived — a life filled with love, laughter and friendship.
She was preceded in death by her husband, John Raymond Barton; her partner, Richard Michael Tyler; her mother, Sue Carol Gantt; and her stepmother, Helen Conwell Short.
Debbie is survived by her children, Kimberly Ann Johnson and Timothy Dwight Barton; her father, Kenneth Leon Short; her sisters, Terri Lynn Bullard and Celia Nan Crist (Larry); her brother, Kenneth Leon Short III; four grandchildren and one great-grandson.
