DEBORAH ELIZABETH CLANTON McLAURIN

Deborah Elizabeth Clanton McLaurin went home to be with her heavenly father on Monday December 7, 2009 at her home in Panama City, Florida. Born April 13, 1956 in Logansport Indiana, she was the first daughter of William and Gladys Frailey Clanton. She was a devoted wife to Brian E McLaurin for 34 years and an amazing Mother to daughters Katie and Karla. Debbie was a strong woman of great faith and through tragedy used her miraculous survival from an auto/train collision as a ministry to many people. Debbie graduated from Bay County High School in 1974. She was a strong believer in education and in her mid forties completed bachelors degree with honors from FSU. She had a passion for the disabled especially those who were hearing impaired and worked fearlessly for equality through the Americans with Disabilities Act. Even with her own struggles Debbie was always able to put the needs of her family first, including her mother who enjoyed her weekly visits and encouragement from her oldest daughter. She was an active member of Northside Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her infant brother Michael Paul Clanton, maternal grandparents, Logan and Cora Brittain Frailey formerly of Cave-in-Rock, IL and paternal grandparents, John and Gladys Dutton Clanton of Rock Creek, IL. She is survived by her husband, Brian McLaurin; two daughters, Karla of Panama City, Katherine McLaurin Drinkwater and husband Michael of New York City, NY; her parents, William and Gladys Clanton of Panama City Beach; brothers, Terry (Barbara) Clanton of Conyers GA, Barry (Ivonne) Clanton of Duluth, GA, James Clanton of Houston TX, Charles Clanton (Debbie) of Fayetteville, GA and sisters, Carla (Jeffery) Fleming of Aurora, NC and Rebecca Clanton Gainesville, GA. "Aunt Dobbie" doted on 14 nieces and nephews and 6 great nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Northside Baptist Church with Dr. Jerry Moore and Rev. Mike Thornton officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 – 3 p.m. on Saturday at the church prior to the service. Interment will be held at the family plot in Adams Cemetery, Elizabethtown, IL. Those desiring may make memorial donations to Cornerstone Baptist Church, 213 Carolyn Avenue, Panama City Beach, FL 32413 in memory of Deborah McLaurin.

Wilson Funeral Home