Deborah Renea Wilson

Deborah Renea Wilson, age 47 of Springdale, passed away March 16, 2013. How can you possibly condense into a few paragraphs the story of a woman whose life impacted so many people in so many ways? Her life. Well, that would be a good place to start. On Feb. 19, 1966, Deborah Renea Blair was born in the little town of Leslie, Arkansas. Even as a child Deb always knew that when she grew up she wanted to do something that would really make a positive difference in people's lives. And, later on she would. But, not before she would meet and marry her soul-mate and love of her life, Joe Wilson. While they were dating their favorite game was the stop sign game. Wherever they went, whenever they got to a stop sign they would give each other a kiss. Deb and Joe were married on June 26, 1982 and after nearly 30 years of marriage they were still playing that game. Joe's favorite story about Deb is that when they were newlyweds he called her the little cat. He would be walking through the house not knowing she was hiding, and when he got close enough to her she would jump out and pounce on his back, or into his arms. At one point he asked her, "aren't you afraid I might drop you?" "No," she replied. "I know that you would never let me fall." And he never did. Deb and Joe were blessed with a son, Eli. Eli has autism and was Deb's great joy and great challenge. Eli's thoughts of his mom are best expressed in his own words. "Mama, you were a wonderful mom to me. Even when you go to Jesus you will always be with me. Thank you for loving me and fighting for me when I couldn't understand. You treasured me as a gift from God, and taught me to treasure the gift God gave me. You taught me that I could do anything, and when people doubted me you just loved me harder. Thank you, mama. I love you so much." Eli has a caregiver, Jamie. She and her family came into the Wilsons' lives several years ago and of course Deb just scooped all of them up, loved them and made them part of the family. Jamie's favorite memory is of all of them sitting together listening to Deb explain God's Word and she will always be grateful for Deb introducing them to the love of the Lord Jesus. Deb did fulfill her dream of making a difference in people's lives. In 1997 she became the oral communications teacher at Southwest Junior High in Springdale, Ark. While there she touched the lives of so many students, parents and fellow teachers. Deb had the ability to love each of her students unconditionally, and cared deeply about all of them. Her motto was, "Love them first, then teach them." In 2012 after 15 years of teaching, six of which she spent battling breast cancer, Deb chose to retire. Deb faced her illness with the same grace and strength with which she faced all aspects of her life. She continued to love and serve her God and the people in her life. She continued singing in the choir at her church, and we will always remember her beautiful voice and how she inspired us all. Deb's battle came to an end on Saturday March 16, 2013. She is now in the arms of her Savior, well and at peace. I think my favorite memory of Deb will always be of how we met. We were both soloists at our church but, didn't know each other. However I greatly admired her singing voice and wanted to ask her if she would ever consider the two of us singing together. I was afraid she might be offended because she sang so well. I would think to myself, "She would probably never want to sing with me." One Sunday we both happened to be in the ladies room washing our hands and primping in front of the mirror. I summoned my courage and told her how much loved her voice and would she ever consider singing a duet with me. Her mouth dropped open and she just stared at me for what felt like the longest time. Then she said, "I wanted to ask you the same thing but, was afraid you'd say no." That was the beginning of a friendship that lasted for more than 12 years. It is hard to tell someone you love goodbye. And even though we all know it's not forever the separation can be long and difficult, and painful. But, the teacher in Deb, the "Miss Wilson" part of her would tell all of us to be brave. And to remember all the things she taught us. And we will. So, to our Miss Wilson we say, "We love you, we thank you, and we will remember you always!" A memorial service will be held on Monday, March 18 at 1 pm, at Friendship Church located at 5395 East Robinson. Pastor Mike Sypult will be officiating. Arrangements are with Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home, 3800 W.Walnut, Rogers.