Debra Jo McLarty was born May 6, 1962 in Independence, Missouri to James Winn and Joyce McLarty. Debbie was very sick around the age of one and the doctors thought she would only survive for about 6 months. She died peacefully in her sleep February 11, 2026 at the age of 63. She was preceded in death by her father Jim.
Debbie’s life was a miracle, and she touched all who knew her. She grew up in the home until she was 29 years old, and her influence is what made the family so close knit. She loved everyone. Her happy and enthusiastic attitude was contagious.
Debbie attended Cameron’s Children Development center from age 7 until the present. Debbie especially loved babies and she was gentle and loving with them. She loved her babies/dolls all the time and she had hundreds of them over the years. She was not as gentle with the dolls, but very loving. She literally loved them to pieces.
She enjoyed going for walks and especially enjoyed the ones with her brother Jim who would take her for wild rides. She would laugh and giggle the whole way. Debbie was very fond of music, enjoying songs like “Little Arrows” and songs by Elvis. She loved to dance at every party for the group homes and ISLs. All the residents liked Debbie and would watch out for her. The workers liked her as well, because she would brighten their day. She will be sorely missed by all.
Debbie is survived by her mother Joyce McLarty, a long-time resident of Cameron who now lives with her son Jim (Debbie’s brother) and his wife Sharon of North Kansas City.
Debbie is now happy in heaven walking and talking with Jesus.
Memorials Fund: The Cameron Children’s Development Center or the First Baptist Church, Cameron, Missouri.
Services were held at 2:00 PM, Monday, February 16, 2026 at the First Baptist Church, Cameron, MO. Burial, Fairmont Cemetery, Follett, TX.
Arrangements under the direction of Poland-Thompson Funeral Home, Cameron, MO.
