For more than four decades, Debby Thomas has quietly built a life rooted in service, faith, and community across Alabama’s River Region. A nurse by profession and a servant at heart, her journey has taken her from Midwestern beginnings to a life deeply woven into Montgomery and its surrounding communities. Along the way, she has cared for patients in hospitals and homes, supported outreach efforts for the homeless, and, more recently, extended her impact across the globe through mission work in Uganda. In this conversation, Debby reflects on the experiences that have shaped her—from bedside nursing to launching a nonprofit—and shares how a calling to help others continues to guide her purpose today.
BOOM!: For those who may not know you as well, tell us a little about your background and what brought you to the River Region.
Debby: I’m originally from Illinois, but Montgomery has really been home for most of my adult life. My husband and I moved here in the mid-1980s, and over the years we’ve lived in Wetumpka, near Millbrook, and then moved back to Montgomery about 12 years ago. So at this point, I’ve been in the River Region for over 40 years, and it’s where we’ve built our life.
Nursing has been a big part of that journey. I’ve worked in hospitals in Montgomery, Wetumpka, and Prattville, spent some time in home health, and even did a traveling nurse assignment up in Maine a few summers ago. It’s given me the opportunity to meet so many people and walk alongside them in important moments. I was raised in a Christian home, and I think my values come from that foundation, along with a blend of Midwestern and Southern influences, which I always say gives me the best of both worlds.
BOOM!: You’ve lived in the River Region for decades. What do you enjoy most about living here?
Debby: Compared to my early years in Illinois, the mild winters here mean that throughout the year, you can enjoy the mountains and ocean that are just a few hours away. And of course, there’s nothing like Southern hospitality.
BOOM!: Nursing can be both rewarding and emotionally challenging. Do you see it as a career or a calling?
Debby: Oh, it’s definitely a calling. I grew up in a time when nurses wore the traditional white uniforms and shoes, and we really looked up to that Florence Nightingale example—being there to help and care for people in need. Over the years, that’s never really changed for me. It’s not just about the medical side of things—it’s about the people. You’re there with them in moments that are often difficult, sometimes joyful, and always meaningful. That’s what makes it more than just a job.
BOOM!: Helping others seems to be a theme throughout your life. What motivates that in you?
Debby: I think it really comes back to my faith. The idea that “to whom much is given, much is required” has always stayed with me. I’ve been very blessed in my life, and I feel a responsibility to use that to help others in whatever way I can. It doesn’t have to be something big. Sometimes it’s just small acts—being there for someone, encouraging them, helping meet a need. But those things matter. And honestly, it brings me a lot of joy to be able to do that.
BOOM!: In addition to nursing, you’ve been deeply involved in outreach and missions. What are some of the ways you’ve served over the years?
Debby: I’ve always had a heart for outreach through the churches I’ve been part of. Over the years, I’ve been involved in a number of ministries, including serving as vice president of Reality and Truth Ministries here in Montgomery, which focuses on helping the homeless.
I’ve also had the opportunity to go on mission trips, including working in a girls’ orphanage in Honduras. And more recently, I’ve spent time in Uganda supporting a skills training school for young women. That’s grown into starting a nonprofit called “Friends of Hands of Strength – Uganda,” which supports the school and the girls there. It’s been a very meaningful part of this season of my life.
BOOM!: Starting a nonprofit is no small task. What has that process been like for you?
Debby: It can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you think you have to figure it all out on your own. But there are people and organizations that can help guide you through it. You have to put together your bylaws, your mission statement, choose a board, and make sure everything is compliant—but it’s very doable.
I actually got some help from professionals, and they had everything set up within just a few days. My bank was very helpful as well. The biggest thing is just being organized and accountable, because every dollar that comes in and goes out needs to be tracked carefully. It’s a responsibility, but it’s worth it.
BOOM!: Your recent trip to Uganda sounds like an incredible experience. What was the heart behind that journey?
Debby: The heart of it was really the girls. The school is there to give young women opportunities they simply don’t have otherwise. Many of them come from very difficult situations, and without support, some end up on dangerous paths just to survive.
The school teaches them trades like sewing and hair styling so they can earn a living and support themselves. We timed our trip to attend their graduation, and it was such a joyful experience. We also brought over donated items and used funds from people here to buy them basic necessities like soap. The excitement they had over those simple things—it really puts everything into perspective.
BOOM!: What impacted you most personally during your time in Uganda?
Debby: Honestly, it was the people. We were treated with such kindness and warmth everywhere we went. The girls at the school would hug us constantly, and their gratitude was overwhelming.
One moment that really stayed with me was when the girls got down on their knees to thank us—that’s part of their culture. It was humbling in a way that’s hard to describe. It made me realize how much we take for granted and how much joy can exist even in very difficult circumstances.
BOOM!: You’ve seen a very different way of life there. How did that change your perspective?
Debby: It really opens your eyes. There’s no running water in some villages, no indoor plumbing, and access to medical care is extremely limited. And yet, people find a way to live, to connect, and to keep going.
It makes you appreciate what we have here, but it also reminds you that joy isn’t tied to comfort. There’s a resilience and gratitude there that’s powerful to witness.
BOOM!: As a nurse, you were probably interested in medical facilities there. Did you visit any?
Debby: Talking about differences, one of the school’s girls had to be hospitalized when she contracted both malaria and typhoid. She had to pay the hospital bill before being admitted, have someone stay with her while in the hospital, and bring her own bed! That’s how it generally works. I visited a local doctor’s office and the facility, by our standards, was just terrible. The ratio of doctors in the town is around 1 to 5,000, much lower than in the U.S.
Many people are so poor that they just can’t afford to get medical help. Pharmacists pick up the slack by treating the simplest medical issues. You go in, describe your symptoms, and leave with basic meds if needed. More serious problems they can’t treat, they refer to doctors, of course.
BOOM!: Did you try any local foods?
Debby: We drank bottled water and ate mostly cooked food. But we did like the local fruit – banana, mango, watermelon, and pineapple – I’d never tasted fruit as sweet and delicious before. I also became a fan of ginger tea. I did try the fried grasshoppers, a local crunchy and greasy delicacy still with the eyes in them. I didn’t go back for seconds!
BOOM!: Did you get a chance to see any wildlife while in Africa?
Debby: I paid my own way on the trip – airfare, food, hotels, etc., – so I felt I could take a couple of days to see some of the sights. We drove through some National Parks, and there were animals everywhere. We had to stop the car when a hippopotamus walked across the road in front of us.
To see rhinos, elephants, giraffes, and antelopes in the wild just walking beside your car is amazing. The monkeys even tried to climb into the car. We also got to travel up the Nile River and seeing the powerful Murchison Falls was just awesome.
BOOM!: What projects are the non-profit currently supporting or hopes to in the future?
Debby: Some of the girls’ families can contribute a little to the cost of running the school, but most are too poor, so that’s why donations are so important. We want to add more programs for the girls. Many children don’t get any sort of education because it costs to go to school. We hope to one day have a school for the young ones. We would also like to have a childcare center and a medical clinic. The school also has a small farm area where they raise piglets, and we support that. We want to expand it to include chickens, goats, and cows so they can raise them for food for the students and also sell them to help fund the school.
BOOM!: How can people help “Hands of Strength”?
Debby: Donations can be made through our Venmo QR code. We just started a Facebook page (Friends of HOS – Uganda) and I can be reached through that or by email at getdebby@yahoo.com. And I’m always available to come and talk at churches or other organizations that might be looking for new outreach projects.
BOOM!: For many in our BOOM! audience, retirement opens the door to new opportunities. Would you encourage others to get involved in service or missions?
Debby: Absolutely. We’re living longer, healthier lives, and I think a lot of people reach retirement and wonder what’s next. But you don’t have to slow down—you can redirect. You’ve spent a lifetime learning skills and gaining experience. Why not use that to help someone else? And even if you can’t physically go somewhere, you can support others who are doing that work. There are always ways to be involved.
BOOM!: What does “aging well” mean to you at this stage of life?
Debby: Health is everything as we age, and I see that so often as a nurse with older patients. I try to eat right, exercise, and enjoy the sunshine – but don’t forget that sunblock!
BOOM!: What brings you the most joy in this season of your life?
Debby: My family, my God, my friends, and my hobbies, especially tennis, which I play several times a week. It’s an excellent sport to play at any age. My husband and I also do a lot of hiking. Nothing extreme, but it’s good exercise while exploring our beautiful country.
BOOM!: We often develop a bucket list as we get older. Do you have one, and what have you accomplished from it since turning 60?
Debby: I wanted to visit every U.S. state, and in 2025, finally did that when my husband, Nick, and I drove all around Oregon. Parachuting was another, which I did a couple of years ago, but I think once was enough. It’s been a dream to go to Israel, and I went there about 3 years ago and even got to ride a camel. I would love to visit every National Park in the country and go hiking in most. Nick and I have been to over 40 out of the 63, so we’re still working on that one. Swimming with manatees in Florida and swimming with sharks in Hawaii were also on the list, and mission accomplished for them! And…I wanted to take my parents on a cruise to Alaska, which we did in 2009 – that was my after-50s bucket list!”
BOOM!: Looking back over your journey, what are you most proud of?
Debby: My family, of course. And my mission is to hopefully make a difference in people’s lives, whether through health care or volunteer work. With the recent Uganda Hand of Strength Ministries, I may never meet all the young girls that it helps, but it is rewarding to know they will be.
BOOM!: If someone feels called to make a difference but doesn’t know where to start, what would you tell them?
Debby: Start small. You don’t have to have everything figured out. If you can’t go yourself, you can support someone who is. And if you can give even a little, it can go a long way—especially in places where the needs are great. The important thing is just to start. Once you do, you’ll see how meaningful it can be.
Quick Take with Debby Thomas
Favorite way to start the morning: A quiet moment with coffee and prayer to set the tone for the day.
A place in the River Region that feels like home: Anywhere I can gather with friends or church family—those connections are what make this area special to me.
Best advice you’ve ever received: “To whom much is given, much is required.”
A habit that keeps you grounded: Staying rooted in my faith and looking for ways to serve others each day.
Favorite way to spend a free afternoon: Time with family or connecting with friends.
A place in the world that changed your perspective: Uganda. Seeing how people live and the joy they carry with so little was life-changing.
Something you’re still learning in this season of life: To slow down, stay present, and appreciate the moment I’m in.
A simple joy you never take for granted: Clean water, good health, and meaningful relationships.
What makes you feel most alive right now: Being able to help others and see lives changed, even in small ways.
One word that describes this season of life: Purposeful
We thank Debby for sharing her story with us! If you know someone who would make a great cover profile, please email jason@riverregionboom.com.