Deborah Jean Heath

Deborah Jean (Stephens) Heath was born April 14, 1955 in Tahlequah, OK, the daughter of Floyd Stephens and Gloria Ann (Nelson) Rhodes. She grew up in the Hulbert community with her eight siblings and was a graduate of Hulbert High School. She went on to attend Northeastern State University and began her life-long career in various health services, such as NSU Optometry and Indian Health Services Physical Therapy until her retirement.

Above all her accomplishments, her greatest joy was being a mother to her son, Steve and watch her grandchildren grow up. She married young to the father of her son, Steve Carey III. She later met and married the love of her life, Billy Louis Heath on October 31, 1983, sharing countless memories over their nearly 43 years together. She brought life and fun to her home, keeping it decorated for each holiday and season. She was everyone’s biggest fan, faithfully attending all of her son’s sporting events and cheering on her nieces and nephews. She was a fan of old westerns and has watched every episode of Friends. Shopping was among her many hobbies, keeping her eye out for a great deal, hitting up all the Black Friday sales and was an avid fan of QVC. She was one of the few that enjoyed the opportunity of return items to Wal-Mart. She was soft-spoken and kind, but not afraid to stand up for what she believed in or be someone to lean on for advice. She carried herself with confidence, always well dressed and ready for the occasion with a beauty that radiated inside and out. Her smile was infectious, that couldn’t help but brighten your day. On October 8, 2025, Deborah passed from this life at the age of 70 years old and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of so many that loved her.

She has gone on to join her parents, Floyd Stephens and Gloria Rhodes, three brothers, Buck Stephens, Floyd “Son” Stephens and Jim Stephens, five sisters, Karen Rhodes, Brenda Henson, Linda Jones, Janie Stephens and Sue Ann French, aunt and uncle Earl Opal Nelson, two nephews, Jimmy Spears and Jerad Rhodes and her beloved dog, Honey.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Steve Carey and wife Mary Lea of Hulbert, OK and two adored grandchildren, Addison Meadow Carey and Aidan Heath Carey, both of Hulbert, OK. She also leaves nieces and nephews, Chrissy Marsh and husband Billy of Hulbert, OK, Lorrie Stephens of Tahlequah, OK, Justin Jones and wife Amber of Broken Arrow, OK, Tony Henson of Tahlequah, OK, Brittany Jenkins of Tahlequah, OK and Brett “Beeper” French of Eugene, OR, cousins, Connie Jeffery, Lois Todd, Carol Fisher and Gary Nelson, all of Tahlequah, OK, her fur-baby Tiny and a host of friends and loved ones.

The family will be receiving guest during a time of visitation on Monday, October 13, 2025 from 4:00pm until 6:00pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home.

Funeral services for Deborah are Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 10:00am at Reed-Culver Chapel with Pastor Randall Carey officiating. She will be laid to rest at Hulbert I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are Larry Payton, Brian Keith Richmond, Billy Marsh, Cody Marsh, Justin Jones, Caleb Jones, Austin Marsh and James Patterson. Honorary pallbearers include Allen Henson, Tommy Jenkins, Jimmy Jones and Brenna Davis.