of North Little Rock, AR
March 3, 1958 - November 9, 2017
Debra Gale (Debbie) Purdom, age 59, of North Little Rock, AR passed away peacefully at Arkansas Hospice at CHI St. Vincent on Thursday, November 9, 2017.
She was predeceased by her parents, Betty and Leon Purdom and grandparents, Mae and Homer Purdom and Annie and Luther Lewis.
She is survived by her sisters, Karen Gardner (Jimmy) of Romance, AR and Marsha Reagan of North Little Rock; brothers, Michael Purdom of Georgia and Phillip Purdom of North Little rock; nephews, Luke Gardner, Chris Gardner (Lyn) and Jeffery Reagan, all of North Little Rock; nieces, Dewana Purdom of Tennessee and Amber Reagan of North Little Rock; special aunt, Jo Ann Talbert of Little Rock and several great nieces.
Debbie grew up in North Little Rock and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. Because of her love of sports and athletics, she obtained a BS degree in physical education and health from the University of Central Arkansas in 1980. A Master's degree in physical education from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia was earned in 1983.
After holding teaching and coaching positions in Texas and Arkansas, she began a second career of 22 years with Systematics, which became Alltel and today is Verizon.
In 2010, she became a member of the North Little Rock School District, happy to return to the educational field. Her elementary schools included Glenview, Indian Hills and Boone Park. In spite of her illness, she began the new school year at North Little Rock Middle School.
Debbie's countless friends and family will greatly miss her generous spirit, her loving heart and warm hugs. She was admired for her courage and constant optimism throughout her 10 year ordeal with cancer.
Special thanks go to Dr. Lawrence Mendelsohn, the CARTI chemo team at Springhill and Dr. John Savage of UAMS.
A gathering for friends and family will be held from 10:00-11:00AM on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 JFK Blvd, North Little Rock, AR 72116. A memorial service will follow in the chapel.
In lieu of flowers, Debbie requested that donations be made to UAMS Winthrop P Rockefeller Cancer Institute, 4018 W Capitol Ave, Little Rock, AR 72205 or your chosen charity.
So sorry for your loss may you find peace and comfort in the words spoken at 2 Corinthians 1:3 & 4" ( 3) Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, (4 ) who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God
My prayers are with all the Purdom family. I remember so many times at Granny Lewis's when we lived next door with all of us kids if we had so much fun playing between our back yard and Granny's yard. You could not ask for a better softball player and a heart of gold. She will be missed by so many and Heaven now has another angel and what a reunion she had with all her family.
I was truly saddened to hear that Deb had passed. She was a wonderful person and a joy to be around. She always kept everyone laughing while at the same time being very professional
We worked together several years during good times and bad. Nevertheless, we always still considered ourselves as a family and a family member is now gone. I won't be able to attend the service on Saturday due to a previous commitment that I have been putting off for several months and now can't reschedule.
I hope everyone can come together tomorrow to celebrate Deb's home-going. I won't be there in person, but I will surely be there in spirit. Deb is gone, but she will never be forgotten.
Love,
Desi Ledbetter
Deb, I'm going to miss you. Enjoyed eating at the White Pig BBQ with you and my son. I considered you a good friend. You were always so happy and positive about life.
To all of Debbie's family: We have taken care of Debbie all through her long battle with cancer. She has always been upbeat and fought a long. tough battle working full time through most of it. She kept a good attitude through it all, even when she received bad news. She always tried to encourage whoever she met in the chemo room. We feel like we know many of you as she loved her family and talked of them often. We have lost a dear friend as well as a patient and will greatly miss her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. NLR CARTI chemo crew
A wonderful lady w/o a doubt! An unconditional friend and loyal to the bone.
Was a positive influence to many through out her life journey.
Never will you be forgotten Deb!
Love,
Gayelynn
I MISSED THIS IN THE PAPER DERENDA CALLED ME AND TOLD ME. SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER THIS SMILE.SHE AND GRANNY LEWIS ARE HAVING A GREAT REUNION. PRAYERS FOR ALL.
Mrs. Purdom was a gem! She was always optimistic through her long illness. She was a strong and determined lady. Her focus was always on others and not herself. It was my good fortune to get to know her and care for her during her battle. She will be missed.
I worked with Deb for over 15 years at Alltel. One of the sweetest people I have ever met. Always looked at the bright side of everything. Glad she is no longer in pain. Fly like the Angel you are, my friend!
So sorry to hear of Debbies passing. She was a great Christian example in her life. She was a grad assistant at SAU and a fellow church member at Immanuel Baptist in Magnolia. Rest in Peace.
Debra you will be truly missed and my thoughts and prayers are with your family. Fly high with angel’s wings
I always enjoyed your smile and upbeat attitude. We had many a good laugh and lots of fun. Snow skiing, camping, floating and many trips to Chattanooga, TN. I know that you are pain free and in His arms.
Love you