Debbie Lynn Thrower

Debbie L. Thrower was born in Sparkman, Arkansas on October 31, 1958. She was the seventh of nine children born to the late Deacon Louis and Deaconess Nettie Lock Thrower.

Debbie’s parents placed a sincere love of Jesus Christ within her heart at an early age. She grew up loving the Lord and one of her greatest joys was to be a blessing to others. God placed a spirit of servanthood and encouragement inside of Debbie that she graciously shared with everyone she encountered throughout her life. As a young woman, she found Christ and united with Ebenezer Baptist Church, and later joined Macedonia Baptist Church, Sparkman, AR.

She was a 1977 graduate of Sparkman High School “Go Raiders” and a Henderson State University graduate “Go Reddies” where she received a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education with a minor in Art. Debbie additionally earned course credits at Texarkana Community College, Texas, and SAU Tech, Camden, Arkansas.

She worked at the DeKalb Independent School District, DeKalb, TX for five years as DeKalb Junior High Coach, High School Assistant Coach, and Physical Education Teacher. After careful thought and consideration, Debbie decided to enter the United States Air Force, under the buddy system with her twin sister Deborah. They administered duties together for almost seven years before Deborah separated and Debbie made a career in the armed forces where she served her country for over twenty years. She received several awards and accolades for her outstanding dedication and performance. She was an instructor at 383rd Military Training School in Wichita Falls, Texas. This allowed her to travel to many stateside and overseas locations including Portugal, Spain, Germany, and Japan. Debbie trained military personnel on health care issues. She received additional training at Military Prep School, Military Leadership School, and Military Academy. Debbie was employed for eleven years with Harmony Grove High School and Harmony Grove Elementary in Camden, Arkansas. Later she taught at Sparkman Elementary and Sparkman High School. The students lovingly referred to her job title as Ms. Coach Thrower.

Debbie loved her church and served in many capacities including program committee member, financial secretary, cafeteria worker, choir member, usher board representative, inspirational speaker, and anywhere that she was needed. When the original Macedonia Baptist Church burned in December 2018, Debbie was one of the first project managers in the rebuilding of the new church. Also, Debbie servved as Vice President of the Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Sparkman, AR, and President of the Lock and Craig Reunion, Sparkman, AR.

Debbie was always kind, patient, and loving to her family and friends. She brought joy into the lives of all she met and touched. Though she is no longer with us in body and spirit, she will be deeply missed. Her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who were impacted by the beautiful life she lived.

On April 1, 2021, she passed away into the Lord’s embrace. Her father, Deacon Louis Thrower, mother Deaconess Nettie O. Lock Thrower, 3 brothers, Larry, Glen, and Gale Thrower, a sister Hope Thrower, and brother-in-law Rev. Ralph Porchia, preceded her in death.

She leaves to cherish her memory sisters-(twin sister) Deborah (Jerry) Smith, Arkadelphia, AR, Glenda Porchia, Stephens, AR, Shirley Price, DeSoto, TX, and brother Louis (LaVerne) Thrower, Jr., Ft. Worth, TX. sister/cousin Drue S. Henderson, Little Rock, AR, sister/friend Shirlene (Clark) Lewis, Camden, AR, Sisters-in-law Delores Thrower, Marvell, AR, and Brenda Thrower, Waldo, AR, Uncle James (Nancy) Lock, Forrest Hills, CA, Aunts Esther Hogan, Rocklin, CA, Verdie Lock Blakney, Hillsboro, OR, and Beverly Lock Feltus, Sacramento, CA., Elsie Neal Thrower, Grand Rapids, MI, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Special friends, Gail & Alvin Anderson, Norman, OK, Diane & Howard Jackson, Sherwood, AR, Mr. James Germany, DeKalb, TX, Elders Shawn & Tammie Smith, Atlanta, GA, Elders Antwone & Leslie Smith, Junction City, AR, Mary Roberts, Gulfport, MS, and the Macedonia Church Family, Sparkman, AR.

Submitted by the Thrower Family

Public visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 9, 2021, at Williams Funeral Home. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, 2021, on the campus of Macedonia Baptist Church in Sparkman. Interment will be at Mt. Carmel Cemetery with Military Honors.