Deborah Noah Lawrence

Debby Lawrence passed away on February 25 following a year-long battle with Pancreatic Cancer. She was born June 9, 1950 in Kansas City, Mo to Brooks C. Noah and Mary Ann Wiles Noah. Debby grew up in Fairway, Kan., was the second oldest of four children and had a childhood full unique travels and close relationships with her cousins.

Growing up, she attended Sunset Hill School where she formed many lasting friendships. After high school graduation, she attended Bennett College, in Millbrook, NY for two years, followed by The University of Arizona, where she became a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1973.

Debby met her husband, Kenny Lawrence, a student at Pembroke Country Day School, during their grade school years. They had mutual friends, grew a friendship into a romance and began dating in high school. Debby always said she didn't transfer to The University of Arizona just because Kenny was there, but we think he may have been a leading factor!

Debby and Kenny were married in Kansas City in 1975 and enjoyed their pre-children years with a robust social life, traveling and raising their first dog, Winnie. They complimented each other well with Debby's easygoing personality and Kenny's strong knack for organization.

In 1981, they welcomed twin daughters and Debby was a devoted, attentive mom, always offering love and endless support.

The most recent “Lights of Her Life” were her four grandchildren, who she loved dearly. Being a grandmother “Bebe” and spending time with each one was her biggest joy. She relished attending their sporting events, birthdays, school activities, and being a strong presence in their lives.

Debby inherited her mother's love of cooking and vivaciousness, especially on the dance floor. She took after her father by tackling any fix-it project and was always up to the challenge of a crossword puzzle.

Debby loved spending time each summer at her family’s cottage at Lake Miltona in Alexandria, MN. This was a very special place to her, as it has been in the family for more than 100 years. Each year she looked forward to seeing her life-long summer friends. Her fondness for Miltona and the Minnesouri Angling Club was passed down to her children and grandchildren, who share the same love for it to this day.

Debby was employed by Borg Warner Acceptance Corporation for eight years, involved with the Junior League of Kansas City, a volunteer with St. Luke’s Auxiliary, was a member of Mission Hills Country Club, a member of the BOTAR organization, and a 4th generation member of the Minnesouri Angling Club.

Despite her petite stature, Debby was small but mighty. Her strength over the past year was admired, and her love for her family and close friendships was unmatched.

Debby is survived by her husband of 47 years, Ken Lawrence; two daughters and their husbands, Courtney and Brett Gray of Prairie Village, Kan., Blair and Truss Tyson of Leawood, Kan, her grandchildren Patrick and Leigh Gray and Channing and Huntley Tyson; her sister, Susan Hensel of Sherman Oaks, CA.

She was predeceased by her parents; two brothers, Brooks Channing Noah, Jr. and Richard Wiles Noah.

Services were held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 6401 Wornall Terr., Kansas City, MO 64113, 2:00 pm, Thursday, March 3, 2022.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the team at University of Kansas Hospital, especially the 11th Floor Oncology providers in the Cambridge Tower.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Debby's memory may be made to the Brooks Channing Noah Jr. '71 and Richard Wiles Noah '73 Memorial Scholarship Endowment Fund at Pembroke Hill School – 400 W. 51st Street Kansas City, MO 64112.

Private burial at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City, Missouri.