Debra Marie Bentley, age 60, of Celina, Texas, passed away March 3, 2025. Debbie was born April 24, 1964, in Utica, New York, to David and Sheila (Volo) Jones. She married Robert Bradford Bentley on February 20, 1988 in Plantation, Florida.
Debbie is survived by her loving husband of thirty-seven years, Brad Bentley of Celina, Texas. Debbie’s other surviving family members include her mother, Sheila Jones of Celina, her son, Robert Chase Bentley and daughter-in-law, Samantha Bentley, also of Celina, and four adorable granddaughters Emma, Elle, Emory and Kayleigh. Debbie was also very blessed to have many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins whom she dearly loved.
She was preceded in death by her father David Jones and her son, Kyle Bentley.
Debbie’s life can be characterized by two things: Her strong and unwavering faith in God and her love of and devotion to her family. Everything she did in life was built around those foundational principles. She was a stay-at-home mom but actively involved with the school system, advocating for her children every step of the way. Her ”family first” philosophy was always on display. For over three decades, she made her home the central gathering place for her family. Her love and compassion extended to friends of family members as well. Recently, someone commented that Debbie treated and loved her kids’ friends as if they were her own.
Debbie was an inspiration to others and set a good example of how to live life. She battled cancer for much of her adult life, yet she never complained and never felt sorry for herself. Instead, Debbie chose to focus on all things positive and her life’s blessings, which were many. Shortly after receiving a bone marrow stem cell transplant in 2006, she started a monthly book club which focused exclusively on stories of faith and inspiration. Despite her illness, she was blessed with a quality of life which allowed her to travel and vacation with family, enjoy her life, her friends and have fun. One of her favorite activities was attending concerts with her husband which they did often. She even got to share the joy of the concert experience with each of her two children. We will miss her but will carry her spirit in our hearts forever.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
A “Celebration of Life” service for Debbie will be held at a time and location to be determined. Debbie’s family requests that, in lieu of flowers or other expressions of condolence, contributions be made in Debbie’s memory, to one of the following:
International Myeloma Foundation
Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation