Debbie Horton, Costumes, Hair and Make-Up Coordinator (by Marla Carter)

When Randy decided that “A Time For Christmas” would be this year’s OCC Christmas production, he knew he was taking on a God-sized project and that he would need God to provide him with all the right people to make it happen. Because this is a Broadway-style musical, the costumes, hair, and make-up aspects of the performance are hugely important and Randy knew he’d need some very talented people. About this same time, Debbie Horton had been praying about getting involved again in ministry at church. Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2005, and at her doctor’s advice, she cut back on all extra activities in order to focus on beating the cancer. She underwent radiation and a lumpectomy, and she cut back on her work hours and stopped all ministry involvement at church. In August of 2006, she was healthy and feeling ready to get back into more things.

She happened to be sitting in Arby’s, eating lunch with her mom, when Randy spotted her. He had actually been in the drive-thru and come into the restaurant to get some straws that were left out of his bag. He asked her if she would consider taking on the costumes, hair, and make-up for “A Time For Christmas.” Debbie agreed and then, after learning how big a production this was going to be, had a couple of sleepless nights wondering if she’d gotten in over her head! God was faithful to provide an answer again, and He led her to form three subcommittees, one each for hair, make-up, and costumes. She prayed that God would send all the right people to these committees, and He’s done just that! Because of Debbie’s prayers and God’s provision, Retha Cunningham is overseeing all the costumes (boy, can she sew!), and Sherri McGary is overseeing all the make-up.

Debbie is an Owensboro native and has been a hair stylist for 32 years. She’s been married to her husband, Tom, for 29 years and has two children. Both Eric and Heather are married and they each have one child of their own. When asked what her favorite Christmas memory is, Debbie, without hesitation, tearfully explains that her first Christmas as a married woman was the most special Christmas she’s had. She was not only a new bride, but also a new mom because when she married Tom, he already had Eric and Heather from a previous marriage. Because of those overwhelming emotions of sharing Christmas with her new husband and two precious preschoolers, Debbie counts that as her favorite Christmas memory.