Debra “Debbie” Joyce (Keller) Evans, 57, of Southside, AR, died on Friday, August 12, 2022, at home surrounded by her loving family. Debbie was born January 15, 1965, in Batesville, AR, and was of Christian faith. Debbie had a passion for learning, teaching, and children. She earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Development and Education from UACCB, which led to a career in teaching preschool. She enjoyed scrapbooking, antiquing (especially collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia), camping, and traveling. But more than anything, Debbie loved her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and all of her family. She was a loving wife, mother, Nana, daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt, and friend, and she will be forever loved and deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched.
Debbie is survived by her loving husband of more than 38 years, Douglas “Doug” Evans; her mother, Loretta Hays; her two daughters, Cassi Nix and Ashley Caddy; three brothers, David Keller, Brett Marlin, and Keith Hays; two sisters, Allison Hancock and Heather Moore; five grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her father, James Keller; her maternal grandparents, Gerald and Wilma Martin; her paternal grandparents, Frank and Millie Tripp Keller; her father-in-law Don Evans; and her son-in-law, Marcus Nix.
Services are entrusted to Willis Funeral Service of Batesville, AR. There will be a visitation on Saturday, August 20, 2022, from 1 pm until 2 pm, with the funeral service beginning at 2 pm. Both will be held at the Willis Funeral Service Chapel in Batesville, AR. Interment will follow at Barren Fork Cemetery in Mount Pleasant, AR.
Honored to serve as pallbearers will be Hunter Davis, Keith Kelso, Randal Hopper, Mike Long, Michael Kimbrough, and Daniel Hopper. The family would like to recognize the following persons as honorary pallbearers, Steve Kimbrough, Richard Hopper, Tim Bristow, and the staff and nurses of Arkansas Hospice.
