Deborah Jean Simpson

Deborah Jean Henderson was born Nov. 18th, 1954, in Oklahoma City to Cherie Jean (Robinson) Henderson and Robert Roy Henderson. This beautiful blue eyed blonde baby was cherished and doted on by her family.

Her sister Cynthia Diane was born, followed by Linda Lou and in 1962 her baby sister Cherie Darlene. Debbie taught her younger sisters to talk, walk, and sneak out the window to play outside during nap time.

She dreamed of being a nurse and began volunteering as a Candy Striper at Saint Anthony Hospital at 12 years old.

She loved music and learned to play the flute for the marching band and school orchestra. She graduated from Classen High School in 1972.

Debbie began working and started school at a local community college with the goal of becoming a nurse.

She married Steve Sparks in 1980. In 1981 her son Brian was born. College was put on the back burner to raise Brian, work, and care for her mother.

She worked for several companies over the years retiring from AT&T.

She loved the holidays and especially holiday costume parties. Debbie won best costume at her office more than once.

Debbie had many interests and hobbies including cooking, karaoke, watching scary movies, reading, dancing, music, bowling, baking and decorating cakes, and making jewelry.

Debbie’s caregiving nature never faded. She found time and room in her home for people who were struggling; Teens, young adults and for the last 15 years she was Freddie’s guardian. He was a huge help to her when her health was declining.

Debbie was a loving sister, devoted daughter, treasured friend and a beloved mother. She adored her nieces and nephews and celebrated every achievement.

Her greatest joy and her greatest love were her son Brian. They had a special relationship that only grew over the years.

On July 17th, Debbie Simpson, 70 years old, passed away peacefully early in the morning. She fought bravely to the end. We will always remember her fun loving spirit and generous heart.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Cherie Jean Henderson, father, Robert Roy Henderson, grandparents, Lavada Lucille Robinson and Albert James Robinson, Aunts and Uncles Deanie & John Ross, Robert & Shirley Robinson, and two cousins, Terri and David Robinson.

She is survived by her son Brian Sparks, her sisters Cindy Mericle and husband James, Linda Collins and husband Randy, Cherie Hart and husband Keith. Her cousins John Ross and wife Marie, Susan Robinson and her nieces and nephews: Amber Fankhouser, Chris Mericle, Nicole Mericle, Colton & Molly Selvidge, Courtney & Caleb Shafer, Korey Ross, Kelly Ross, Caitlin Ross and 7 great nieces and nephews.

A memorial service for Deborah will be held Friday, July 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper, 6600 Broadway Extension, Oklahoma City, OK 73116.