Debbie Witt Gatlin

The Roark-Conner Association (R-CA) is paying tribute to Debbie Witt Gatlin. In 2016, Debbie received the highest honor bestowed by the R-CA — the John J. Roark Distinguished Service Award for her exemplary service. 

For 13 years, Debbie played a vital role, and devoted untold time and effort, as Editor. We want to recognize and highlight her dedicated service, which includes the following accomplishments: 

• For 13 years, Debbie produced, edited, promoted, printed, and sent R-CA Newsletters — from Issue 49 in May 2008 to Issue 88 in May 2021 — 37 Issues! She even assisted Editor Chuck Gross with the newsletters in 2007, when Chuck’s plea “I don’t want the Newsletter to get stale—it’s time for new blood” hit Debbie’s soft spot. 
• Through the years, Debbie worked with many Family Reporters who provide the family news, which is the heart of the Newsletter, and includes births, weddings, and deaths. As she wrote to Family Reporters in 2013, “. . . there would be no Newsletter without you! I do appreciate each and everyone one of you!” 
• During family reunions, Debbie could often be seen taking photos for the Newsletter. 
• To provide thoughts and express thanks, she wrote “Debbie’s Drifts” and also promoted the electronic version of the Newsletter.
• During the 2016 Reunion, Debbie received the John J. Roark Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor and recognition afforded an R-CA member. In January 2017, Debbie thanked the R-CA Board and wrote, “. . . I am so humbled and truly grateful to receive such an award from my “family” . . . . There would have been only two things that would have made it better—and that would have been for my daddy and John J. Roark to be there!”
• Our deep appreciation also extends to Herb Gatlin. In 2017, Debbie wrote, “I also want to say a big “Thank You” to my husband for helping me with the Newsletter. He’s the best proofreader ever! He has always been a big help to me, whether it’s stuffing the envelopes or delivering them to the post office!” Herb also regularly served as Assistant Registrar. 

Debbie descends from Woodrow Wilson Witt (1918-2006) and Betty Witt (1927-2003). Her grandparents were John Lyle Witt (1886-1983) and Lela Witt (1889-1967), and her great grandparents were Martha Conner (1843-1933) and Silas Witt (1835-1889), and Martha Palmer (1815-1890) and Maximilian Conner (1806- 1893). She has two brothers, William Witt (Past President 2007-2008) and Johnny Witt, and one sister Sharon Gordon. Debbie said, “I could not ask for better siblings.”

Born in Lawton, Oklahoma, Debbie lived most of her life in Fletcher, Oklahoma. During junior high and high school, she was involved in music. In high school, Debbie was also a cheerleader and played basketball. She has one son, Adam Swagerty, married to Jamie, and they have a son Connor. In 1980, Debbie married the love of her life, Herb Gatlin, and eleven years ago, she and Herb moved to Hernando, Mississippi.

Debbie worked for the government in finance, personnel, publications, administration, and hospital management. She retired as a supervisory health system specialist. U.S. Civil Service, Fort Sill, Oklahoma. Debbie has also worked with a group of ladies who sew and have served together in several mission areas — from Africa to Mexico, Alaska, Vietnam, and now locally to battered women and children. She says, “It has been one of the greatest blessings in my life to be able to serve those in need.”  

Debbie is most grateful for her faith and family. Her message to the family is,“Work hard, take care of yourself, and take time to enjoy life. But put God and family first.” When asked about her legacy, she said, “For people to know how much I care and love them. I really do have a heart for people!”

Our Association will be forever indebted to Debbie for keeping all R-CA members informed about family news and events for her service. A sincere THANK YOU DEBBIE and HERB from us all for a job well done!