Deborah Sharp

Deborah Beth Haynie Sharp died of ovarian cancer on Sunday, July 14, 2013. She was born December 25, 1951 in Safford, Arizona to the late Douglas Byron Haynie and Helen Louise Maddox Haynie. She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Thomas Lee Sharp; her son, Thomas Douglas Sharp; her sister and brother-in-law, Frances Louise Haynie Brock and Martin Louis Brock; her nieces, Naomi Louise Brock and Nettie Amanda Brock; and her nephew, Josiah Wesley Brock. She was preceded in death by her nephew, Nathan Louis Brock. Debbie is also survived by her cousins, Don and Kathy Card and Norman and Millie Card. Debbie was blessed to have wonderful in-laws, who also survive her: mother-in-law, Juanita Leona Roop Sharp; brothers-in-law and their wives, William Henry Sharp, Jr. (Priscilla), John Phillip Sharp (Jan), Edgar Lane Sharp (Debbie); and sisters-in-law, Susan Sharp Smith and Millie Beth Sharp Duke; nephews, Michael, Dustin, Rob, Matthew and Sam; and nieces, Misty, Robin, Jessica, Courtney and Candace. Debbie was so proud of the next generation: great-nephews, Brian, Bret, Taylor, Kyle, Jace, Eli, Wesley and Brayden and great-nieces, Abbey, Ashton and Amelia.
We have our nuclear families and families created by marriage. Debbie was fortunate enough to be blessed with families created by the heart. We want to acknowledge the love and support shown by Vicki Steward (who says they have been friends for "30-hundred" years), James Flannagan, a host of friends from California (several of whom flew from San Diego to Little Rock for visits), her Highland Valley church family (especially the Connections Sunday School class and Chancel Choir), The Racquet Club Water Aerobics class, and the wonderful parents of so many of her students. We received so much food, support, and prayers-thank you!
After a 25 year career with the Social Security Administration (she worked in the Pine Bluff, Arkansas, Modesto, California, Oceanside, California and El Cajon, California offices), Debbie started a second career as a special education teacher in 2001. She taught high school students in Ramona, California and, once she relocated to Little Rock upon Tom's retirement in 2007, she taught elementary school students, most recently at Chenal Elementary. She received her BA at UC-Davis, Teaching Credential at Cal State-Sacramento, and her MA in Special Education at Cal State-San Marcos. She deeply loved her students and they enriched her life so much. Debbie also loved music and reading.
The family would like to thank Dr. Lawrence Bandy and his staff, Dr. Brad Baltz and his staff, the staffs at Baptist Health Medical Center, Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute and Baptist Hospice for their outstanding care and compassion.
A Celebration of Life will be held for Debbie on Saturday, July 27 at 1:00 p.m. at Highland Valley United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Brittany Richardson Watson officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations to Highland Valley United Methodist Church, Humane Society of Pulaski County or Baptist Health Hospice would be appreciated.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, (501)224-2200. Debbie's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.