Debra Ann (Short) Oates

Memorial services for Debra Ann (Short) Oates, 55, of Tulsa, OK, were held Saturday, February 4, 2023, at Johnson Funeral Chapel in Sperry, OK. Phil Johnson officiated. 

Debra was born July 1, 1967, in Frankfort, Germany to William Eugene Short and Mary Katherine (Vann) Ellison. She passed away January 29, 2023, in Tulsa, OK.

Debra was a home health aide and caregiver, and also took care of her mother until her passing. She was also a great help in taking care of her stepfather, Michael Ellison. She liked to keep busy, whether it was spending time with her grandkids, family and friends, or spending time outside in the garden growing some of the most beautiful flowers, especially sunflowers, and even grew fresh vegetables that she would deliciously prepare for her big family. Debra was always helping others even when she was not 100% well in her own health.

She is survived by her son, Travis Lee Allen Oates, and Samuel Dean Oates; daughter, Katherine Jean Oates; grandkids, Andrew Lucas Oates, Jeremiah Edward Moore, Charlotte Ray Hamblin, and Harvey Rex Hamblin; brother, James Houston Lloyd Short; sister, Mary Louise Misner; nieces, Amber LeAnn Reynolds, Amanda Marie Thompson, Ova Dee Opal Short; nephews, Dustin Ray Phelan, and Milo James William Short; great-nephews, Wyatt Phelan, Cooper Phelan, and Robert Vozella; cousins, JayLynn, Steven Wayne, and John Hales; stepdad, Michael Ellison; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Michelle Dawn Oates; mother, Mary Ellison; father, William Short; grandparents, Ova Dee and James Short and James Gilmore; aunt, Winnie Hales; uncle, Phillip Short; nephew, Baby Phelan; and cousins, Randy Hales and Brian Vann

Memorial donations may be made at https://fundthefuneral.com/debra-ann-short-oates

Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonsperry.com.