Debra Lea Stuart Benson was born on July 28, 1956 in Magnolia, Arkansas to the late Sue Nelson Jenkins and Lester Stuart and passed away Sunday, January 31, 2021. She grew up in Camden and was employed by Bruce's Shoe Store for several years before obtaining a nursing degree from Southern Arkansas University and working for Ouachita County Medical Center as a Registered Nurse, case manager & denial coordinator.

Debra married Michael Benson on April 25,1993 after a brief dating period. She often told a story of how she had a conversation with God concerning needing his guidance in regard to the perfect mate for her after not doing so well on her own. Michael always claimed to be her gift from God but she claimed that he was proof of God having a sense of humor.

It's been said that only 1-2 percent of the population have the combination of red hair and blue eyes and Debra was blessed with two of these rarities; Traci Griffis Hicks (Jason) of Newbern, TN and Eric Griffis of Milledgeville, GA. She also had an inherited son that she raised as her own, Travis Benson of Nashville, AR, and step-children; Shane Griffis of North Carolina, Joshua Benson of Georgia and Rachel Benson of Florida; her two very beautiful granddaughters, Haley Hicks Wylie (Nick) and Jacie Hicks were her sunshines in life and brought much joy to their "Nana".

Debra was raised by her mother and four older siblings; Carolyn Norrell Smith of Sherwood, AR, Jerry "Buddy" Norrell, Judith Norrell Jackson (James) and Connie Norrell Cope, all of Camden. She also had siblings from her biological father, George Lee Burns, Sr and is survived by Mary Burns Carson of Dallas, TX. She gained four additional sisters with her marriage to Michael: Carol Staggs, Linda Brown, Barbara Thompson and Gloria Johnson (Jerry),all of Jacksonville, AR. Debra cherished the time she spent with her numerous nieces and nephews.

Debra chose to keep her circle of friends small. She felt very blessed to have a friend that was like a sister, Sue Pickett. They spent many hours talking about almost everything under the sun but especially about their kids, grandkids and pets.

A private graveside service will be held at later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance. Proctor Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.