Debra Marie (Millis) Bartlett, 61, of Ashdown, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on January 10, 2019. Her determination, strength and spunk showed right up to the end in her fight against the cancer that ultimately took her.
Debbie was born in North Adams, MA to James and Bernice (Wade) Millis, who preceded her in death. She leaves behind her siblings Maureen Wallace (Wayne), Linda Stokes (Chuck), Jim Millis, Patricia Millis, Susan Millis (Jerry), and Bonnie Millis (Al Ely). She also leaves behind a niece and nephews Joey Harris, Jason Harris, David Bushee, Lisa Bushee, Michael Engel and Jeremy Engel; many cousins, aunts and uncles. She attended St. Joseph’s School, and graduated from Drury High School in 1975.
Debbie always loved animals, and her world revolved around her little doggies Pee Wee and Lily and feeding all kinds of wildlife in her wooded yard in Ashdown (and she always reminded her neighbor Don that she was not fattening them up for his pot!).
Debbie worked a variety of jobs. One of her first was sewing sleeping bags, where she excelled and developed her love of sewing. She enjoyed working at Millwood State Park, where she made many long-lasting friendships. Her shenanigans with her co-workers and campers provided entertainment they still talk about today. She worked at Wal Mart for the past 11 years, and many of her co-workers and customers are counted as friends. She and Val were like-minded partners-in-crime.
Debbie’s family is grateful for the community of friends that have been there for her over the years, driving her to the Emergency Department in Little Rock numerous times, to her doctor’s appointments and chemo treatments, feeding her stray cats, birds and wildlife and taking care of her beloved dogs Pee Wee and Lily, singing karaoke and going with her to her favorite Chinese Buffet, taking her to do chores when she could no longer drive, and all the “adventures” that went along with those outings. A special thanks to Vern, Charlie and Jerry, Reba, Gene and Karen, and the many others who made an impact on Debbie’s life.
There was never a dull moment when Debbie was involved, and you always knew what was on her mind. She could make anyone smile with her quick wit and sense of humor. She enjoyed all kinds of music, and had a lovely voice. Her independence came later in life, but she defended it ferociously and we are so proud of her. Debbie didn’t always have an easy life, but she had a good life and earned her place in heaven.
A memorial service will be held in Ashdown, Arkansas at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Arkansas Hospice (#2 St Vincent Circle 7W, Little Rock, AR 72205), where they took such great care of Debbie in her final weeks, or Second Chance Pet Adoptions, (6003 Chapel Hill Road, #133, Raleigh, NC 27607), who will assist in finding a new home for Pee Wee and Lily.
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400.
17 Comments
PEACE N BLESSED BE~
To Susan and family my thoughts are with you and I hope you can find peace at this sad time
Thank you Edward
To my sweet sister Debbie,,,So many great memories engraved forever in my mind !
To all of Debra’s family, I am so very sorry to hear is Debra’s passing. May God wrap His loving arms around you all and provide comfort and peace as only He can. I was one of Debra’s coworkers, and I will miss her greatly. She proved how strong she was over and over again. I loved her sassy nature, her love of others and all animals, and her unmatched sense of wit and humor. I will always think of her fondly. My sincerest condolences to you all.
Thank you so much
Deb you were such a great person! I enjoyed working with you and being your friend for many years! Fly high sweet lady!!
Thank you
Prayer’s, she was a sweet lady! We’ll miss seeing her.
I am going to miss you toots AKA sister Mary Clarence Walmart want be the same without you fly high my angel until we meet again
Thank you so much
Thank you very much
Rest in peace sweet Aunt Debbie, you will always be in our hearts
Sue,
Brought me to tears, I think of you and Debbie often. The glory days.
God speed Debbie.
Mary Lou
Thank you
I am so sorry to hear of Debras passing. I used to be one of her coworkers at Walmart. Even though I didnt work with her anymore I would always go through her line and we would always say hi to each other. She was a great person and she will be missed.
I am so sorry to hear that she lost her battle. I will miss seeing her friendly face at Walmart. We didn’t know one another well but I always enjoyed talking with her. Rest in peace sweet lady.
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