Debbie Partin
Posted: March 3, 2009
Debra Susan Fowler “Debbie” Partin, 46, died suddenly Saturday, February 28, 2009, while she and her husband were leading Youth Bible Study at the First United Methodist Church in Tupelo. Debbie was born in West Point, MS on May, 1962, the daughter of Gene and Ruth Taylor Fowler. She attended Oakhill Academy in West Point from kindergarten through High School graduating in 1980 as Valedictorian of her class. She received her undergraduate degree in 1984 from Miss. University for Women, graduated from the University of Mississippi School of Physical Therapy in 1986 and later received a M.A. degree in deaf and Blind Education from the University of Southern Mississippi. Debbie was a master physical therapist working several years at the regional Rehabilitation Center in Tupelo, for North Miss. Physical Therapists and, at her death, was employed by the North Miss. Regional Center in Oxford working primarily with Project Run, an early intervention program for children. She married Wesley Partin on March 10, 1984 and to this union, was born three children, Lynn, Drew and Chris. The Partin’s also housed and loved several exchange students as well as other children who benefitted from their love and guidance. She grew up in the First Christian Church of West Point where her family has long attended and was for the last many years and active, faithful and beloved member of the First United Methodist Church of Tupelo. She and Wesley were stellar supporters of the church youth and devoted untold hours to their spiritual welfare. She was an Ambassador with the Invitation Service at FUMC, an usher and master greeter. For many years, she served as a Youth Camp leader in the Christian Church ad was affectionately known as “Bumper” by the Youth and their parents. Debbie enjoyed life to the fullest, liked to crochet, cook large meals, read esp. the obits in the local paper and volunteered extensively with habitat for Humanity and Hilltop. In death, she gave the gift of life as an organ donor. She will be sorely missed by a grateful family, Church and community. A service celebrating her life will be held at 7 pm today from the Sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in Tupelo with Rev. Andy Ray, Rev. Raigan Miskelly, Rev. Jimmy Criddle and Corey Truett officiating. Her ashes will be scattered in the Spring on a Buffalo River excursion by family and friends. Visitation will be from 4 pm until service time today in the Gathering Room of First United Methodist Church- Tupelo. Holland-Harris Funeral Directors is entrusted with the arrangements. Survivors include her husband: Wesley; her children: Lynn (Steve Robertson), Drew and Chris all of Tupelo; her parents: Gene and Ruth Fowler of West Point; a sister: Angie Fowler Gray (George) of Birmingham; her mother-in-law: Virginia Partin of West Point, her brother-in-law: Rev. Terry Partin (Sue) of Richton, MS; and her nephew: Matthew. Several aunts, uncles, cousins and her extended family at FUMC in Tupelo and First Christian Church in West Point. Her first grandchild is due in June. She was preceded in death by her grandparents: John and Mary Jane Fowler and Bill and Cora Taylor all of West Point. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 854, Tupelo, MS 38802, Habitat for Humanity, 213 W. Main, Tupelo, MS 38804 or First Christian Church, P.O. Box 208, West Point, MS 39773.