Debbie Simmers

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Debra Sue Record Simmers passed away peacefully in her sleep the morning of July 9, 2023. Born March 16, 1949 to the late William Earl Huddleston and Betty Jean Meadows Huddleston, Debby made Joplin her home for 74 years. She was preceded in death by her younger sister, Elizabeth 'Libby' Harbour.

She attended schools in Joplin and built a career alongside her father as a funeral director at Parker Mortuary. She loved working with him and serving the community together while helping those in a time of need.

 

During a brief marriage at a young age, she had two daughters: Amy Elizabeth and Stacy Sue.

In 1973, she married Ron Record and together they had one daughter, Leann R. Record. During this time, she continued to focus on her career, spend time with friends and family, she loved to cook and entertain, enjoyed ‘lake life’ on the weekends and eventually developed a passion for dancing, gravitating to country western styles. She and Ron separated in 1994.

On September 5, 2009, she married her true dance partner, Udell ‘Doc’ Simmers. Together they twirled through the rest of her life, enjoying dancing with friends, attending church & dinners with friends. He survives at the home.

Additional survivors include her daughters Stacy Solinger of Colorado, Amy Gilbert (Eric) of Neosho, MO and Leann Record (Randy Wagner) of New Castle, CO; stepdaughter Mindell Reid (Steve) of Houstonia, MO; granddaughters Tiffani Corbin (Landon) of Webb City, MO and Sarah De Marco (Dominic) of Grand Junction, CO; grandsons Jacob Solinger of Grand Junction, CO, Reid Gilbert of Neosho, MO and Rowan Wagner of New Castle, CO; step-grandson Austin Gibson (Beca) of Rogers, AR; great-grandchildren Dallas and Brady Gibson; niece Kate Gallego (Michael), great niece and nephews Nolan, Sawyer and Persephone and nephew Dan Harbour.

 

An all day viewing will be held at Clark Funeral Home in Neosho on Thursday, July 13 from 9a-5p and services will be held at Park Plaza Church in Joplin on Friday, July 14 at 10a with Minister Mark Scott officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wildcat Glades Nature Group via online donations (wildcatglades.org) or check sent to Robin Standridge, 201 W. Riviera Drive, Joplin, MO 64804; or to Sassy Shufflers, Juanita Henson, 3893 W Cattail Ln., Joplin, MO 64801, (417) 483-3077.