Debbie Lee Stephens Short, a beautiful and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend passed on to be with her Lord and Savior on July 6, 2023. Debbie stepped into the arms of her first love – Her Lord quickly, painlessly and unexpectedly having served Him as a faithful Christian on this earth for over 60 years.

A celebration of Debbie's life and funeral: 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at The Hills Church, 6300 NE Loop 820, North Richland Hills.

Family Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 pm, Monday, July 17, 2023 at Biggers Funeral Home, 6100 Azle Avenue, Fort Worth on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a small contribution to The Hills Church, where she and devoted husband Larry were active members.

Everyone who encountered Debbie knew of her contagious beautiful smile that lit up the room and warmed the hearts of all who were fortunate to be in her presence. She generously shared her amazing love and compassion for others, helping, encouraging and always available.

Debbie was a lover of all animals, big and small. She loved her horses; her dogs; her cats; her deer (that ran throughout the Short residence); and Debbie loved her ducks that she raised from chicks when orphaned. Debbie never saw an animal that she did not love! The same could be said of all her human friends. Debbie's love did not stop with two and four legged creatures! She saw beauty in God's masterpieces of sunsets, sunrises, woods, mountains, seashores – there was not one thing Debbie encountered that she did not appreciate and give praise to God. Who wasn't drawn to this beautiful, loving and kind soul?

Debbie graduated from Crowley High School in 1969. When not in school Debbie and her younger sister participated in horse show events including barrel racing and pole bending, winning countless trophies and ribbons along the way. They were members of the Burleson Mounties Riding Club, competing in the annual Fort Worth Rodeo competition as well as riding in the yearly Parade. Debbie attended Abilene Christian University and graduated from Texas Christian University in 1972, following in the footsteps of her mother Marguerite Sewell with a degree in education. Debbie was an avid TCU fan (along with her Mother and sister) rooting for and attending many home games. Debbie loved being a teacher! She taught many years in the Wichita Falls area before moving to the DFW mid-cities area and finishing her teaching career in the Keller School District. Debbie received the honor of Teacher of the Year in Wichita Falls.

Debbie met and married Larry Short who she always introduced as 'my Marine' and it was love at first sight! Larry quickly realized that Debbie needed acreage to 'house' and host her many animal friends and connect with nature. So, they moved to an area in Azle where they could welcome and appreciate all that enfolds country living. They also needed a fishing pond, dock and pool to entertain their many grandchildren who flocked to their retreat home. Debbie and Larry poured themselves into their family and hosted huge family reunions at their Azle resort.

Debbie's life story starts and ends with her walk with her Lord. She followed in her parents' footsteps of devotion to God, never missing a chance to learn, teach and worship. Debbie and Larry hosted Community Fellowships (Bible Studies) at their home, taught God's Word, faithfully attended The Hills Church and even baptized new Believers in their pool. If you knew Debbie, you knew of her commitment to spread the Gospel. Debbie, ever caring for others' needs, always had an extensive prayer list and insisted on hosting church events. Musically talented, Debbie taught piano and led singing in her Sunday school adult class. In short, Debbie showered love, encouragement and service to all whom she encountered. Her strength, she was quick to acknowledge, came from God through Jesus her Savior. Her light was a reflection of Her God! It was through His strength that she 'gave her smile' to others every single day. Debbie brought light and fearless love throughout her 72 years on this earth. Her beautiful spirit will be missed tremendously by family and friends.

Debbie was preceded in death by her mother, Marguerite Stephens Sewell and husband Walter; father, Arnold Stephens and wife Patsy; nephew, Brandon Johnson; niece, Ashley Ikeler; and niece, Jennifer Robason.

She leaves a long list of those she served and prayed for. Debbie is survived by her beloved and devoted husband, Larry Short; their children: Chad Caussey and wife, Barbara, Grandchildren Reagan and Luke; Erica Unrau and husband Todd, Grandchildren Mary Unrau, Austin DuBose and Great Grandchildren James and Aiden; Christopher Caussey and wife Clara, Grandchild Gemma; Troy Short and wife Sherry, Grandchildren Nick and Lauren; Ryan Short and wife Darci; Michael Short; predeceased child Jessica Short, her Grandchildren Bennett and Audrey. Debbie adored her entire family. Debbie is also survived by siblings Donna Stephens Robason and husband Randy; Chuck Stephens and wife Lavada; Sharon Stephens Ikeler and husband Ronnie, and many nieces and nephews.

Thank you for your prayers, words of support, cards, hugs, flowers, food, donations and love. We are blessed to be the Family of Debbie Short and are reminded that she is now joyously smiling and in the presence of God the Father and Jesus!