Debra "Debbie" Nelson

Debra “Debbie” Eagle Nelson, age 70 of North Little Rock, AR (formerly Hot Springs, AR) passed away peacefully on December 28, 2021 after a 22-year fearless fight with cancer and associated complications.  Debbie was born on October 24, 1951 and graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1969.  She married Richard “Pete” Nelson on June 6, 1970.

Debbie began her career at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in 1980 where she worked as a Respiratory Therapist and eventually retired due to health reasons.  She loved gardening, bird watching, cooking, baking, all things purple and sunflowers.  Debbie was an encouragement and a prayer warrior to everyone she met and many she never met.  Her ministry was handmade cards sent to those needing prayer, encouragement or just a smile.  She no doubt made thousands.  She suffered incredible personal loss and physical pain but she turned her attention to caring for others who needed prayer and encouragement.  Her heart was bigger than her cancer, her stamina stronger than her limitations and her faith trumped all.  Courageous is not a strong enough word to describe her fight to live and love.  Her mantras were “faith over fear” and “God is good and He is good all the time”.  Her greatest desire was for everyone to know Jesus.

Debbie was preceded in death by her husband Richard “Pete” Nelson, daughter Jennifer Suzanne Nelson, sisters Kimberly Eagle, Karen Standridge and parents, Lue and Luther Eagle.

She is survived by her very best friend and confidant Lynda Tyler Quick, special bonus granddaughter Rylee Simmons, sister-in-law, Barbara Casteel, nephew, Bobby Theel, her faithful companion dog Izzy and several other cousins, nieces and nephews.

Debbie is a beloved member of Refuge Church NLR.  Memorials may be made to Refuge Church NLR, P.O. Box 94104, North Little Rock AR  72190.

A Celebration of Debbie’s Life will be held at Refuge Church NLR, 201 W. Fourth St., North Little Rock, AR  72114 on Wednesday January 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM, with Pastors Craig Loibner and Scott Eaton officiating.

The service will be live streamed from the churches YouTube account. https://m.youtube.com/channel/UC-zh9ZO-7G230YG1uvG8A7Q

Private burial will be at Edgewood Memorial Park.  Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main, North Little Rock, AR  72114.

A special thanks to Dr. Thomas Sneed and staff at Carti Cancer Center for never giving up on Debbie’s fearless cancer fight.  A special thanks to the army of friends, family, neighbors and medical workers serving Debbie’s needs to help her stay in her home until the end of her life, especially Lynda and Tommy Quick, Brandi Sutherland, Brittney Terry and Jennifer Johansen.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home , 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.--