In Loving Memory of Debra Autry

Hello everyone!

   It’s Kella, one of Terry and Debra’s daughters. Most of you know the past 3 years Debra has been fighting very hard to overcome stage 4 colon cancer. Yesterday, February 6th, she took her last breath on this earth. Although most of you are familiar with Terry and Debra’s situation, I thought I would fill in those of you who are not. 

   I'm going to tell a little story about the difference Debra and Terry have made in their small section of the world.

US Navy Chief Petty Officer Terry Autry and Deborah Autry were married 15 years ago. Both had always wanted a large family. They both had dreams of a large farm in the country where their kids could run free and play until sundown. Unfortunately, a large biological family was not in God's plans, but that did not stop them. Instead of waiting around for a baby they decided to take another route. They went to the foster care system and were lucky enough to be matched with my first four siblings, three girls and one boy. All four were between the ages of six and ten. I was a teen at that time. Terry and Debra really felt that they wanted a brother for their new son, since he was stuck with four sisters. Then came the twins, boys of course.

   As years went on, some of my siblings would grow into adulthood and have careers and family’s of their own. One followed in our dad’s footsteps and went into the Navy. The news got out about how well the kids were doing and how much Terry and Debra wanted to help as many children as they could. They fought hard for their children’s rights and never gave up on them. 

As the years passed, the foster care system continued to bring more children that could use their help. Terry and Debra never turned away a single one of them. 

   Even as the children grew and moved out, the house was never empty. In fact, it continued to grow, literally. Terry bought a 4 bedroom pre manufactured home and added it on to the existing house. Terry and Debra went on to adopt, not foster, adopt a total of 14 children from foster care. Each child was given love, care, education, healthcare, and attention. Each child felt they had a special bond with our mom and dad. They currently have five children left at home that are still in school, ages 4, 7, 9, 14, and 19. Terry welcomes any of his children back home if things were to get tough. Right now my sister, her husband, and their two children are there as they wait for my brother in law to get his assignment in the Army. 

   To say the least Terry and Debra have led a full life together. But raising children is not cheap and Terry was left out of work for 4 months this year due to complications of spinal surgery where he ended up with a staph infection in his spine and had to learn to walk again. 

   I hope this story has helped paint you a picture of how you can help. Every tiny bit adds up. If you cannot give, maybe someone you know can, so please share. The more people we reach, the more likely we are to reach our goal. 

   My dad works extremely hard, but sometimes you fall on hard times and you have to ask for help. This is why I am doing this. I am asking for him. Please donate if you can and if you can’t please SHARE SHARE SHARE!