Debra Guthrie Obituary

Debbie Guthrie, beloved sister, aunt, great-aunt, friend, and community partner, passed away on July 5, 2025 at the age of 66. Debbie dedicated her life to serving others, creating a legacy of compassion, humor, and generosity through her work and her unwavering faith in the power of hope. Before devoting herself to the care of her community through Hope Distributors, Debbie worked for many years as a skilled glazier. Her transition from trade work to community service was a testament to her big heart, her love for Jesus, and her deep desire to meet the needs of her neighbors. Through Hope Distributors, where she served as Founder and Executive Director, she dreamed, planned, and implemented large events where hundreds and even thousands of people were blessed with much-needed resources and encouragement. Beyond these large events, she committed her days to providing food to church pantries across the four-state area, ensuring that families in need had access to nourishment and hope. She never turned anyone away and made everyone feel as though they were the most important person in her life - a rare and precious gift.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jesse Keith Guthrie; her mother, Juanita Jean Pendley; her brother, Billy Jean Guthrie; and her nephew, Richard Kent Upshaw.

Debbie's memory will be cherished by her sister, Bobbi Sharon Upton; her nephews, Rudy Upshaw, Billy Lynn Guthrie (wife Kris), and Tony Guthrie; her niece, Missha Wagoner (husband Ray); and six other nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. She also leaves behind countless friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives she touched with her care and kindness. Her memory is also cherished by the countless volunteers, community and business partners that helped Debbie with the mission of Hope Distributors of Giving Hope, Changing Lives.

There were two other very important people in her life, Suzy and Dennis Higgins, who supported her through her physical, mental, and emotional challenges. Their investment in Debbie's care made her last days on earth more pleasant, and their love and presence brought her comfort when she needed it most. Debbie had a great love for her motorcycle, even though she never rode it, and was always ready with a joke or pun to make you laugh, no matter how serious the situation or how she herself was feeling. Her light-hearted spirit, her devotion to her savior, her vision, and her selfless nature will be deeply missed.

Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2025 at Cross Pointe Community Church in Tontitown, Arkansas. Sister Carol Granderson will be officiating the service. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Heritage Funeral Home in Springdale, Arkansas.

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