Deborah Kay

Rice Reed

In Loving Memory of Deborah Kay Rice Reed. January 9, 1961-November 6, 2026

With heavy hearts and a lifetime of precious memories we announce the passing of Debbie Rice Reed, age 65, of Holly Springs, AR, who went to her forever home in Heaven on November 6, 2026. While our hearts are deeply saddened by her passing, we find comfort in knowing that a life so beautifully lived leaves behind a love that will never fade. She was a precious blessing to all who knew her, and her memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who loved her.

She was born on January 9, 1961, in Pampa, TX, she was the daughter of the late Johnny Williams, Sr and the late Wanda Young. From the very beginning her life would become a beautiful story of love, family, faith and the countless lives she touched along the way. Debbie spent 43 years as a nurse. Working in hospitals, dialysis centers, elder care, home health and hospice care; Debbie touched so many lives with her selfless service to others.

Throughout her life, she found joy spending time with her boys, grandbabies, and great grandbabies. She also loved to fish and hunt. Whether spending time with family, talking to her “Sisters” (which was all her best friends she worked with over the years), or simply enjoying life’s everyday blessings, she had a way of making even the smallest moments feel special. She was a woman whose love spoke louder than words. Her kindness, gentle spirit and caring heart were gifts to everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. She understood that life’s greatest treasures were not found in material things, but in the people, we hold close, the memories we make, and the love we leave behind. Her life was a beautiful reminder that the simplest things often mean the most. A familiar smile, a comforting word, a shared laugh, or a moment spent together became memories that her loved ones will carry with them forever.

She leaves behind a legacy far greater than words could ever express – a legacy of love, kindness, strength, and countless beautiful memories. Though she is no longer her for us to see or hold, the love she so freely gave will continue to live on through the generations she leaves behind.

She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Bud Rice and wife, Michelle and Tony Rice and wife, Anita; grandchildren, Ashton Rice, Jordan Harris and husband, Brock, Zander Rice, Natalie Rice, Nathan Rice, Leia Hickmott and husband, Lee, Baylie Self and husband, Connor, Clay Singleton and wife, Lauren; great-grandchildren, Tate Harris, Judd Hickmott, Ella Hickmott, Sadie Self, Lucas Singleton; siblings, Jeannie Pennington and husband, Richard, Johnny Williams, Jr and wife, Erica, Keith Young, Eddie Young and wife, Donna, Shawn Thompson, Becky Reaves and Angie Edwards and husband, Tracy, Judy Ratliff and husband, Buzz, Kelley Hollingsworth and husband, Mark, Paula Fournier and husband, David; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends whose lives were made sweeter by simply knowing her.

She was preceded by her father, Johnny Williams, Sr, mother, Wanda Young, sister, Pat Temple, brother, Rex Smith and best friend/sister, Nikki Miller.

Although saying goodbye is never easy, there is peace in knowing that her journey here on earth has ended and her eternal rest has begun. We take comfort in the promise of Heaven, where there is no more sorrow, and no more goodbyes.

As we celebrate her life, may we remember her not only with tears of sadness, but with grateful hearts for the beautiful gift of having known and loved her. May her memory bring smiles in the midst of sorrow, comfort in quiet moments, and a gentle reminder that those we love never truly leave us. For a life so beautifully lived and a heart so deeply loved so there could never truly be a goodbye. Only until we meet again.

“Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Matthew 25:21

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at Proctor Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 2:00 PM Thursday, November 12, 2026, at Shady Grove Baptist Church, Jersey, AR. Burial will follow in Shady Grove Cemetery. Bro. Mike Colvin and Bro. Chuck Bennett will officiate the service.