Debra Paxton

Debra Ann (Richardson) Paxton, 58, of Arkadelphia, won her battle with cancer and was rewarded with eternal life on Sept. 12th, 2013, surrounded by family at home. She was born on May 17th 1955 and preceded in death by her mother, Ernestine Payne, stepfather John Payne and father, W.C. Buster Richardson. She is survived by her devoted husband of 36 years, James Ray Paxton, sisters Judy Normand of Pine Bluff and Tina Madison of Greers Ferry, sister-in-law Becky Skarda, mother-in-law Joyce Paxton both of Sheridan and 12 special nieces and nephews.

Growing up in Pine Bluff, she learned to sing by harmonizing to Mama's and Papa's songs on the radio and this grew into a passion for choral music that lasted the rest of her life. She graduated from Dollarway High School in 1973, active in choirs there and at Olive Street Baptist Church. Later in life she was a member of the Arkansas Symphony Chorus and Chamber Singers. She graduated from Ouachita Baptist University in 2002 where she also sang in concert choirs and then worked for OBU in Admissions and as a library tech. She took great joy from singing in her church choir and was able to sing in every church Passion Play presented over a 19 year period.

Her faith was strong, her voice was sweet and the light of her smile will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Visitation is 6-8 pm on September 20th at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home on 517 Clay St. in Arkadelphia. Funeral services will be at 10:00 am on Saturday September 21st at Third Street Baptist Church. Minister will be Greg Latham. Burial will be at 3:30 pm in Desha AR at Alderbrook Cemetery.