Debra L Spears

Rev. Debra L. Spears is the mother of one son Devin Hamilton Sr. (deceased) and two daughters, Major Nakisha Abernathy-Carr (Bobby) and Kelli L. Abernathy. She is the proud grandmother of 5 grandchildren; 2 boys, 3 girls. She is the proud great-grandmother of 1 great-grandson. Rev. Spears has been blessed with a nurturing spirit. In 2004, She opened her home for two years, as an emergency foster home. She served as a foster mother to one teenager and 50 children; ages 0 to 5. As a Matriarch, with a love for family, Rev. Spears has nurtured many family members.

Faith:

Rev. Spears is a lifelong CME. She was raised at Greater Cleaves Memorial CME Church until the age of 19. In 1973, She moved her family membership to Amos Memorial CME Church. In 2015, she transferred her membership back to her home church at Greater Cleaves. Rev. Spears has been teaching the Word of God for 44 years. In 2010, God placed a greater call on her heart as an exhorter. In 2011, she accepted her call into the ministry as a Local Preacher. Rev. Spears loves serving her church anywhere needed. In 2017, Rev. Spears was ordained Deacon and Traveling Elder in the CME Church. Rev. Spears formerly served as Senior Pastor of Beebe Chapel CME Church for 5 years. Rev. Spears is currently serving as a supply pastor assigned to St. Mary's CME Church under the direction of Presiding Elder James Grayson, Senior Pastor.

Education:

Rev. Spears has completed an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Telecommunications Network Management & Computer Technology from Oklahoma State University, Oklahoma City. A Bachelor of Science Degree in Church Ministries and Master of Arts Degree in Leadership, both from Mid-America Christian University. Rev. Spears is completing a 2nd Master’s Degree in Divinity through Seminary at Liberty University. Rev. Spears has completed post graduate work as a Chaplain, certified in Grief Counseling & Clinical Pastoral Education. She is specialized in Pastoral Care areas of crisis, trauma, grief, loss and palliative (end of life) care. The CME Church requires Pastors complete 1 unit of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training. Ms. Spears has completed 9 Units of CPE training, which is 3600 hours in a level one trauma center. She enjoys offering compassionate care to anyone. Her hugs are always freely given.

Employment:

Rev. Spears retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 2004 with 30 years of service as a Communication Technician. She also retired a 2nd time with 5 years of service from the City of Oklahoma City seeking ministry opportunities. Rev. Spears worked for 3 years with the State of Oklahoma Department of Human Service in the Child Protection Services Unit assisting children and families in crisis. In 2013, Rev. Spears found her passion in ministry as a Chaplain. She has been a Chaplain with Interim Healthcare & Hospice, Good Shepherd Ministries, OU Medical Center & Children’s Hospital and currently serves as a staff Chaplain III at Mercy Hospital & Oklahoma Heart Hospitals. Chaplain Debra supports all Mom's and babies in the Loves Family Women's Center.

I found myself "perfectly" positioned to share my life experiences and love of teaching in a way that would be authentic to the person I have become. I cherish what God is doing in my life.

"But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord." 2 Corinthians 3:18