Debbie Wasson's Obituary
Debbie Wasson, age 70, of Fayetteville, Arkansas, passed from this life on Tuesday, January 13, 2026. She was born on March 2, 1955.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Marion Kindley Wasson, Jr. and Bobbie Jean Delzell Wasson.
Debbie went to elementary, junior high and high school in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. She was an active Girl Scout, earning her First Class Scout award (equivalent of an Eagle Scout) as a senior in high school Following high school graduation, Debbie earned a BA at Hendrix College, followed by a master’s degree in teaching from Oklahoma City University and studying poetry writing in Ireland. For more than 20 years, she taught creative writing to middle school students in the Lee County School District in Florida. She enveloped her students with creativity, love, and a safe place to express themselves. Debbie valued teaching, her colleagues, and her students.
Debbie also enjoyed traveling. She loved being with her mother, Bobbie, and together they traveled the world. China was one of her favorite places. In addition to traveling the world with her mother, she followed in her mother’s footsteps in community service as a member of PEO. She also volunteered at CEO (Cooperative Emergency Outreach) in Fayetteville.
Debbie had a deep connection to the natural world. She loved animals and especially dogs. Her latest canine companion, Shiloh, was particularly dear to her.
If you knew Debbie, you knew she loved all things Mickey Mouse. Her Mickey collection graced her living space and brought a smile to all lucky enough to see it. All things Mickey Mouse was an expression of her whimsical and innocent delight in the world around her.
Debbie helped others open up and express their own creative gifts, and she expressed herself through creative writing, painting, and song writing. Debbie loved mythology and fantasy, the creative act of world building, and strong female characters whose mission in life was to protect others. She wrote poetry and short stories. She played a number of musical instruments and created drawings and paintings. Her artistic gift was also found in her own, individual style of dress – spiffy casual with a spin of color and whimsy, a Debbie Wasson original style.
Most of all, Debbie graced those she encountered with her kindness, beautiful heart, gentle spirit and especially her warm smile. She connected with all types of people, genuinely interested in each individual. She cared deeply about many people, but she especially cared about and deeply loved her family and friends.
She is survived by her brother, David Wasson; her aunts, Rebecca Wasson and Betty Solis; many beloved cousins and a host of friends across the country who will cherish her memory.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. Those attending are invited to dress in “spiffy casual” and/or wear something Mickey Mouse in honor of Debbie’s own style.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Debbie’s memory may be made to Best Friends Animal Shelter, 1312 Melissa Drive, Bentonville, Arkansas 72712.
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