Madie Debnam

I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Madie Eatmon was born in Micro, North Carolina May 9, 1924 to Sherman and Roxie Eatmon. She was the 10th of 14 children. The Eatmons owned a farm and at an early age Mom determined she would rather cook and keep house, than work in the field; thus began a life time of exquisite cooking and happy tummies.  Madie Eatmon graduated from Richard B. Harrison High School in North Carolina where she learned French and our national anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. Every so often Mom would speak to us in French or sing our national anthem with pride which instilled in us confidence and understanding of who we are. Mom along with our Dad, Clarence Whellon Debnam Sr. taught us to handle our business, treat others as we desire to be treated and led us to a deep relationship with Christ. Our father says he saw our mom when she was in the third grade and held off all would be suitors until he returned from WWII and they were married October 19, 1946. To this union were born 12 children, 4 boys and 8 girls. Madie Eatmon Debnam was a faithful wife, outstanding mother, excellent housekeeper and a comfort to all who knew her. Mom was and is a great example to women. She stood by her husband, raised her children and made each of us feel special in our own way -- we were all her favorite. For the most part Mom Debnam was a work at home mom. She trained us cook, clean and be solid citizens. A woman full of wisdom she made decisions years ago that have prepared her legacy to continue. Before our father passed he was concerned about the financial well being of Mom and our younger sisters that were still being raised. The Lord let our Dad know that Mom would be sustained by taking care of either the elderly or children in her home. Out of necessity Mom started babysitting her grandchildren in her home. Our friends, neighbors, and church members found out and the daycare grew. Countless numbers of children have come through our lives and the daycare receiving good food, love and care. Mom never met a child that she did not love or see their potential.

June 1966, the Lord led us to Portland, Oregon where Mom received the gift of the Hole Ghost at Bethesda Christian Church under the leadership of Pastor Richard E. Lawrence and First Lady Mary Lawrence. Mom loved her church, the saints and being a servant of God. She served as Missionary President, choir member, prayer warrior, deaconess, speaker and head cook. We weep today because she will be missed, we rejoice because she has gone on to her great reward. Madie Eatmon Debnam was a great example of the proverbs 31, virtuous woman. Whatsoever her hands found to do she did with a loving heart. Mom lived her last days with love and dignity. The excellent care she gave all her life was returned to her. The day Mom went to be with the Lord our sister Jacqueline had given her bath, oiled her skin and looked “pretty as a peach”. Then as a bride adorned for her husband Mom lifted her hands to heaven, took her last breath as Jesus took her home. Madie Eatmon Debnam, blessed according to Psalms 127: 3-5

3 Lo, children are a heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Mom Debnam was preceded in death by her husband Clarence Sr., son Clarence Jr., and grandson Charles Shepherd III. She is survived by her children: Earl, Joan, Chad, Michael, Jacqueline, Myra, Rhodean, Darlene, Donna, Debbie and Theresa; 23 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; sisters Edith Atkinson and Easter Barnes; brother Jack Eatmon, and a host of family, saints and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Caldwell's, Hennessey, Goetsch & McGee Funeral Home, Portland, OR.