Debra Craft Dennis

Debbie Lynne Craft Dennis was born in the afternoon on January 8th, 1955 to Vernon and Mary Lou Craft in Ottumwa, Iowa. Debbie went home to be with the Lord the morning of July 29th, 2020. She will be dearly missed by all those who love her.

Debbie grew up in a good Christian home in Fairfield, Iowa where she attended school and church. Her family was very involved and active in the Suburban Heights Baptist Church. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at a young age. She graduated from Fairfield High School in 1973 and enrolled in the fall at Baptist Bible College in Springfield, Missouri.

While in Bible college she met Texas-native Richard Dennis. She always said that she would not date a “Texan” and would definitely “never” marry one. Well, over time he won her over, and they were married on December 17th,1976. They have been married for over 43 years. They finished their college training together and then stepped out into full-time ministry, working together for the next 40 years. During this time, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Education the old-fashioned way via typewritten correspondence through Bethany Bible College.

Debbie was always more than willing to help do whatever needed to be done at the churches they ministered. Over the years, she taught young people in Youth Ministry, helped in Vacation Bible Schools, taught in Children’s church, sang in the choir, worked in Church offices, and did anything else she could to further the cause of Christ. As a Pastor’s wife, she enjoyed putting events together that would be an encouragement and blessing to the ladies of the church. A good friend said of Debbie, “Of all the staff wives that had worked at their church, she was the best!” Her three main goals in life were to glorify Christ, take care of her family, and help people know and grow in Jesus Christ.

While involved in the ministry, Debbie made sure that “home” was her main priority by taking care of their two daughters, keeping the house in order, and doing her best to keep her husband out of trouble. Debbie loved sewing, reading, cooking, and occasionally trying out new ideas. She endeavored, and succeeded, in making the home a place of rest and refuge for her loved ones.

Debbie is preceded in death by her dad, Vernon Craft of Fairfield, IA; Richard’s parents, A.C. & Nancy Dennis of Ft. Worth, TX; step-dad, John Quesenbery of Ft. Worth, TX.

Debbie is survived by her husband, Richard; Daughters: Jennifer Daniels and Tim; Jessica Dennis and Steve; 3 grandsons: Kima, Trenton and Colton. She is survived by her mother, Mary Lou Craft of Fairfield, IA; 2 brothers: Gary Craft and Karen of Stillwater, OK, Tom Craft and Callvina, Tulsa, OK; and 1 sister, Marianne Tierney and Tim of Pembroke, NH. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers donations made to Manna World Wide, in Deb’s remembrance at MannaWorldWide.org.