Narrative Summary
Interview with Deborah Ellingsworth by Tessa Ellingsworth
Deborah Ann Ellingsworth was born to Omer and Earline West in Kansas City,
Kansas in the early 1950’s. She grew up in rural Sedalia, Missouri with her older brother
Butch and younger brother Scott. Growing up in a predominately Presbyterian faith, her
involvement with the church was cemented early in her life. Her greatest influence, both
spiritually and personally, was her mother, whose love for the Lord, and love for those
around her, helped guide Deborah to a life of faith and devotion to God. It was ingrained
in her to love others, to support those around her and to lift people up, not hinder their
spirit. Growing up in a religious household gave her the foundation and building blocks
she would later need to be successful in life, as a daughter, a wife, a mother and coworker. Upon entering her young adult years, she felt herself simply going through the
motions, as she calls it, and not following the Lord, trying to find her purpose in life. She
was at a crossroads, both in faith, but also in her everyday life.
She was nearly finished with her Bachelors in Business, when all of the sudden
she realized, this was not the path for her. Still not knowing the right path, she took a
class for the disabled child and a spark ignited within her, for children in need. She
clearly recalls taking that class, and feeling a purpose in her life, that was not of her
doing. Thus began her journey as a Special Education Teacher. It was curious, that as she
found her purpose in helping children and finding this calling, it helped bring her back to
a close personal relationship with the Lord. It was evident that she found her purpose, but
it could not have been foreseen how this decision helped prepare her for what was to
come later in her career. Deborah was involved in the Springfield Public School System
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for twenty- eight years, teaching special needs children only at the elementary level. She
was devoted to her students, and truly felt it was more difficult and challenging than
anything she could have imagined. That never stopped her from following her passion
and continuing to help support, uplift and encourage her students. Once she retired from
teaching she eventually came to working at Lakeland Regional Health Systems, she often
said she would never work there, due to her own presumptions. Needless to say, she now
works there as a School Supervisor and have been working there for ten years. She sights,
this as being a plan from God, not her doing.
She clearly states, it is clear that these children are troubled, and suffering from
mental illness and some sort of disability while struggling with the realization that many
of their families have abandoned them. She begins her day, praying for each of these
children, and her co-workers, knowing God will help guide her and strengthen her during
each day. She sights, that it hinders her spirit to see the stories of each of the children,
that such darkness is present in their lives and in the world, she never falters in her
devotion to God, rather she finds comfort in knowing, God is with her and watching over
these children. Deborah advises her students, that there is hope, love and encouragement
and wishes they could feel the love of Christ, despite their horrible experiences.
She went onto advise both her daughter and other women in faith, to stay in the
word of God, be strong in their relationship with him and know that they are perfectly
and beautifully made, and God’s purpose for them is greater than they could ever
imagine. To have unwavering confidence in God and themselves, to know that God has
no interest in you size, shape or wealth of material possessions, but in your faith in him.
Seeing her unrelenting love for the Lord and her confidence and the peace she has when
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talking about the Lord, it is clear that with every piece of darkness, doubt or insecurity,
she leans closer into God for comfort and encouragement.
Having a passion for helping others, was something that was always important to
her. She is heavily involved in her church, and helps reach out to the surrounding
community, by volunteering for various conferences held at her church, being involved in
life groups, supporting fellow members of the church, giving back to the surrounding
schools, as well as, the children who are less fortunate and then gathering food and
supplies and redistributing these items to families in needs. Being involved in the church
is very important to her, and gives her opportunities to share the love of Christ and do
service for her community. Her humility and devotion are a constant encouragement to
those around her, and to me, her daughter. Doing this interview allowed me to see a side
of my mother that was both, illuminating and inspirational. It was important to Deborah
that others have the opportunity to feel the sense of peace and joy that she feels every day
while walking with the Lord. What was most evident during our interview was her love
for the Lord, her devotion to him and to serving others, and to be a light in people’s lives
that have seen such darkness.
Missouri State University
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