Debra Gale Purdom

DEBRA GALE (DEBBIE) PURDOM, age 59, of North Little Rock, Ark., passed away peacefully at Arkansas Hospice at CHI St. Vincent on Thursday, Nov. 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, Ark., 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 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017 at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock, Ark. 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, Ark. 72205, or your chosen charity. Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Owens Funeral Home. You may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.