Debbie Charlesworth

Our beloved Debbie went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 28th. We weren’t ready to let her go. But her body was ready, at long last, to fully be at peace. Debbie was a fighter all the way to the end, fierce and tenacious for life. After a successful open heart surgery last month, she caught a terrible infection several weeks later that she was not able to fend off. After many brave battles, she was ultimately needing the truest rest. We rejoice knowing she’s no longer in pain—no more surgeries, no more sorrow. And she’s dancing not only with Jesus, but also holding near her Sweet Bee for the first time in far too long.

Debbie came into this world on December 16th, 1957, to Louis Wall and Barbara Stephens. She learned her heart for adventure and thrill seeking from her father and her affinity for an always-spotless-house and an ever-impeccable-style from her mother. 

Debbie grew into the epitome of a true southern woman, but with just a little spice. Okay, maybe a whole lot of spice! She actually carried salt, pepper, and Louisiana hot sauce in her purse at all times. If there wasn’t flavor on that food, Debbie was not ashamed to add some seasoning herself! She may have even been known to send that food back to the kitchen a time or two. Or three. 

But Debbie wanted to taste the fullest flavors at all times, and that was true in life as well. She loved having an open door and a full house. If the Razorbacks were on, you might want to have earplugs on hand. Because no one called the Hogs as loudly and valiantly as Debbie did! She had that same big love for all her dogs as well. If you knew Debbie, you knew her pups. They were always a part of her heart and they went with her everywhere she went. We know even now she’s surrounded by four-legged friends that are all fighting for just that right snuggle spot in her lap. 

But Debbie’s greatest joy was always her family. Debbie loved her husband, Glenn. She was as wondrous as an ocean and he as steadfast as an anchor. And their love was deep and true, strong and vast—like a sea that’s known the wild of waves and the surety of shores. Glenn kissed his wife goodbye at her last breath. It was the sacredest of loves as Debbie entered the thinnest of veils—tenderly and lovingly moving from this earthly life to the forever next.

Debbie was a passionate and protective mother. Jami Kath, Bobby, and Brittany always knew Mom’s love for them and ever felt her presence. Those truths will remain deep in their days and havened in their hearts. Whether cheering from the cushioned seat of a theater or the soccer chair of a sideline, Mom’s voice could pierce a crowd with her unbridled praise. And whatever wonder Bee was baking, Debbie was the first to taste and the first to celebrate with pure adoration. She also delighted in her daughter-in-law, too. And as only a great mother can attest, she was so proud of the mom Amy always is.

Debbie was also *Grandmother Extraordinaire*. Emphasis on the *extra*! She lived life to the fullest and loved that way as well. Abe, Sam, Simone, and Lily all got more sweets & treats than they ever should have—but that’s what grandmas are for! More than that, though, they all got Grandma’s love. All of it. Somehow, she always had room for all. That was her life and legacy. She never held back her pride and joy and the unique way she saw and embraced each fully as their own. Her love for you was uniquely a treasure, molded wholly and solely for your heart, from hers. Her greatest hope was seeing those she loved live their lives with great love, gracious passion, and growing joy as well.

Debbie took her faith seriously—whereupon she wasn’t simply more purely religious— she actually became more purely loving. Through her faith, she bloomed into a rising flower that was more grace-giving, more generous, more joyful, more at peace, and more alive. Her faith was planted in a true love of Jesus that was deeply stirred by the wind and water of the Spirit. And this faith carried her and constantly flowed through her.

Debbie never knew a stranger, and she was always your biggest champion. She befriended every cashier or server she ever met (and she met plenty!)—heartily thanked them, genuinely blessed them, and sincerely called them “Sweetheart.” She also loved getting to serve on multiple medical mission trips to Honduras—and she brought that same bountiful blessing with her. It was truly a love that transcended language. And along with that love came that smile. Radiant and real, generous and gorgeous. She lit up every room she ever walked in. And she wanted to make you smile, too.

One of Debbie’s greatest love languages was food. She knew how to prepare a feast like no other, and every last bite had such special flavor. It was always the kind of meal that made you close your eyes, shush your mouth, and savor every bite! If the table was ever quiet around Debbie, it was only because the steak, baked potato, and Caesar salad were really that good! And everything had so much butter it would make you blush! Just as important as the meal itself, though, was you knowing there was a seat at her table. All you had to do was sit down and Debbie would take care of the rest as she took care of you. That’s what love looked like to her.

Debbie also loved thrill and adventure—from racing at the I30 Speedway when she was 18, to daring rides at the state fair or any amusement park to simply driving across town at often questionable rates of speed! If she didn’t warn you to buckle up, one of us would! She mostly only knew one pace — and that was pedal to the metal! Whether that was vacuuming the house at all hours of the day with the dizzying whirlwind of a Tasmanian devil or flying that shopping cart through the Kroger aisles where she always ran into a friend, she was always on the move. And that is a miracle worth naming. Because she had so much pain in her body for so long, and yet she carried on. We would call her the bionic woman, for there truly was no earthly reason she could remain that resilient. She was the strongest person any of us ever met. She embodied true grit and wore it with real grace. We honestly thought she would outlive us all and do so with her makeup and hair always just right.

Debbie also just loved being outside. This is where and when she’d actually, finally slow down and breathe deep. We’re pretty convinced she was solar powered! Over the past year she took up gardening. She thrived living down in the dirt, pulling weeds for hours with sweat on her brow and the largest travel cup of unsweet tea on hand! And the only place outside that made her happier was the beach. We know right now she’s already got her feet in the sand somewhere special in eternity. She’s got an iced cold Coca Cola, a comfy beach chair, a good read, and a great pair of shades. Her hair is blonde and beautiful, her skin is healthy and glowing, and she’s sitting and soaking up blue skies, quiet waters, and the sweet, serene, sure peace of God. If we close our eyes just right, we can even see it.

Life threw so many obstacles at our Debbie, all through her days. But she blossomed into a Steel Magnolia. The kind that comes from soil that’s been tended to with such love, compassion, and care. And just the right amount of Debbie sunshine.

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Debbie is survived by her husband, Glenn Charlesworth. Her children, Jami Kath Harrison (fiancé, William) and Bobby Harrison (wife, Amy). Her grandchildren, Lily Besser, Simone, Sam, and Abe Harrison. Her stepchildren, Adam Charlesworth and Olivia Charlesworth. And her dogs, Cruise and Candy. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Brittany Harrison, her former husband, Bob Harrison, and many sweet pups along the way—most recently, Cooper. Who we know has first dibs to ride around in Debbie’s purse as she shops in heaven. Because if heaven knows Debbie, there’s got to be a Target there. And Cooper’s definitely not missing out on the ride.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Refuge Church in North Little Rock, Arkansas on Wednesday, November 25th during the evening. Official service time TBD. The family will notify on Bobby’s Facebook. 

We thank you for all your love, meals, and prayers. That was Debbie’s way of caring, too. And it’s the stuff that most matters. In lieu of flowers, we are inviting anyone who feels led to give to do so as a charitable donation to Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock. Debbie loved seeing kids thrive. So, anything anyone can do to make a tangible difference toward helping children experience healing and hope would be the greatest gift.

We are so heartbroken at the loss of one who so truly loved and so wholly lived life and love to the fullest! But we have hope knowing she is most fully alive even now. And knowing Debbie, she’ll find so many miraculous ways (both big and small) to cheer us on, champion us, and care for us all, all our days. With such Debbie love.