There's no better way to sum up the life of Debbie than to use the words written in 1 John 3:18, ''Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.'' Debbie exemplified this type of love on a daily basis. As a mother and a MeMe, as a sister and an aunt, as a niece and a church member, and as a friend, Debbie loved with all she had. There are no adequate words to describe the love that she had for her family. She called her grown children every morning to make sure they were up and getting ready for the day. She scheduled her life around the endless extracurricular activities of her precious grandchildren. She was the perfect example of Southern elegance and tradition; never leaving the house without her jewelry while keeping the entire family in line at the same time. To paraphrase the words of Jesus in Matthew 22, ''Love God, Love people.'' Debbie lived out these words. She poured her energy into her church, made sure that food was handled in all situations, and cared for others with a servant's heart. It is this servant's heart that has made Debbie a role model for countless lives. While she has left a void that will never be fully filled, Debbie also leaves a legacy and a lasting reminder to us all to Love God, Love people.
She is survived by a son, Rusty Arrington of Monticello; a daughter, Melissa Reid of Wilmar; two sisters, Johnnie Ruth Ferrington of Wilmar and Jeanne Campbell of Hot Springs; and seven grandchildren, Preston, Kayla and Cooper Arrington, John Parker Reid, MaryJane Rogers, Jay Dylan Reid and Saylor Bliss Boykin.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2022, at Second Baptist Church of Monticello with Rev. Ray Hearron officiating. Burial will be in McCoy Cemetery in New Edinburg, AR in Bradley County, AR. There will be a visitation preceding the funeral service from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the church. Memorials may be made to the Second Baptist Church or the Second Baptist Church Building Fund. You can sign Deborah's guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(21)
Brenda Bowman
Jonesboro, AR Sunday, April 24, 2022 Melissa & Rusty, we are so sorry for your loss! Your Mom & Dad were our very best friends way back in the early days. Hard to believe that they are both gone.Dushan & Maretta Mrdja
Benton, AR Sunday, April 24, 2022 We are so sorry to hear about Debbie’s passing. She was a wonderful Christian woman and will be missed by all. Prayers for God’s comfort in the next days . Especially praying for sweet Mary Jane.🙏🏻🙏🏻William
Monticello, AR Friday, April 22, 2022 I am so sorry for this tragic death.May all family and friends be in my prayers.Barbara West
Marshall, AR Friday, April 22, 2022 I am sorry to learn of Debbie’s sudden passing I became acquainted with Debbie and her family when they lived in Marshall She was a great friend and worker in our church and community activities I am proud my pathway on this earth included getting to know her and spend lots of fun times with her! My sincere condolences to her family and friendsJohn & Paige (Hill) Stell
Monticello, AR Friday, April 22, 2022 You are all in our thoughts and prayers during the days ahead.Love,
John, Paige, Jayson, Colt, Brayden, Jared (Marlee), Jake (Bethany), & Brad
Ralph & Frances Wells
Monticello, AR Friday, April 22, 2022 Debbie was a kind and loving person who was always looking out for others. She will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and all those who loved her.Shelia Ratledge
Thornton, CO Thursday, April 21, 2022 Dear family ,Danny and I were heartbroken when we found out about Debbie ,we want to tell you how much she ment to us and to our family. Always had a smile and made each one feel welcome and loved ,she was one of the first people to make us feel like family at Second Baptist .We pray for foe each of you sending love and hugs feom all of us to all of you. And Melissa if ever just need to talk ,cry or just someone who understands the loss of a momma I am always available.Love and prayers, Shelia, Danny, Kalei, Becca, Eli, Trevor Ratledge
Mary Whiting
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 21, 2022 To Debbie's dear family,I am so sorry for your loss. I pray that God gives you peace. Keep the beautiful memories in your heart always. She was a lovely person in all aspects.
Sincerely,
Mary Whiting
Dianne fort
Jonesboro, AR Thursday, April 21, 2022 So sorry to hea of your passing. I’ve seen you at Jerry & Mary Clampit’s with your grandchildren.Dr Michael Alexander St
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 21, 2022 My sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Rodgers. She was a good neighbor and will be truly missed.Paula Hamby
Lakeview, AR Thursday, April 21, 2022 Prayers for the family, Debbie was a special lady and cousin that will be missed by many.Bonita Yount
Dumas, AR Thursday, April 21, 2022 Melissa and Rusty, So sorry for your loss of your Mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.Robin Johnson
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 21, 2022 I am so sadden to hear the loss of your mother. I loved talking to her and seeing her bright smile everywhere. She always had such kind words and so much love for all in her life. May God be with each of you during this very difficult time.Much love and prayers, Robin Johnson
Patricia Abbott
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 21, 2022 Rusty and Melissa, I am so terribly saddened and shocked to learn of your mom’s passing. My prayers are for your strength and comfort during this difficult time. She was such a sweet person, and I will be forever glad that we had recently reconnected.Lisa A Forrest
Gardners, PA Thursday, April 21, 2022 Melissa,Rusty I am so sorry to hear about your mother. Debbie was a true friend to me. My thoughts and Prayers are with y'all and all the family. love Lisa ForrestGlenda Strickland
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 21, 2022 Melissa, Rusty and family , I'm sorry for your loss, Debbie was one of a kind, she will truly be missed by everyone that knew her.Donna Wilson
Brinkley, AR Thursday, April 21, 2022 Debbie truly had a servant's heart. She served those around her with grace and love. "Well Done My true and faithful servant". Our prayers will continue for her family especially Melissa and her boys!Sandy Gavin
Warren, AR Wednesday, April 20, 2022 I 'm so sorry to hear about Debbie. She was a sweet friend. Prayers for your family.Barbara Newton
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 20, 2022 So very sorry for the loss of Debbie! She was a sweet lady who will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with all her family and friends.Barbara A Posey
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 20, 2022 Melissa, Rusty, and family I am so sorry to hear about Debbie. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.Dianne Hornaday McManus
Hot Springs, AR Wednesday, April 20, 2022 To the family of DebbieI grew up with Debbie in Fordyce.
She was always very sweet and kind to everyone.
I’m so sorry for your loss!
My thoughts and prayers are with you.