Deborah "Debbie" Ann Woodard Edwards

Deborah “Debbie” Ann Woodard Edwards, age 60, was born on July 1, 1955 to O.M. Woodard and Gloria Cargle Woodard in Colorado City, Texas and died March 21, 2016 at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, Louisiana with her family by her side. She will be remembered as a loving, caring, and independent woman who devoted her life to taking care of her children. Debbie loved children and spent much of her life caring for her three cherished ones, numerous nieces and nephews, and later her beloved grandchildren, Kristalyn and Desiree’ Edwards. Children were blessed to spend time in her care. She was the “fun” babysitter who would play with them for hours, plan joyous picnics, fishing expeditions, coloring and more. Her son Eric says she lived her life like Peter Pan because she never wanted to grow up. The smile on her face when she was around children just proved how much joy they brought to her life. One of her nephews says that having Aunt Debbie take care of him when he was young was one of his happiest childhood memories. Along the way, Debbie imparted life lessons, straight from her gentle heart, about treating others well and with kindness. Her loves included animals, especially her little poodle, “Star”, who stayed by her side for sixteen years. She was thrilled just by the touch of a dog or cat, amazed by the sight of a beautiful bird or butterfly and awed by the beauty of nature. Debbie became ill about five years ago with several medical issues. She was in and out of the hospital struggling to be well enough to participate in the activities she loved. She is now in heaven with no more pain or worry. She is dearly missed by so many people who love her. She is survived by her three children, Jason Heath Edwards, Ashley Nichole Edwards, and Eric James Edwards; four grandchildren, Kristalyn, Desiree, Jajaunda, and Lakaundra; brother, James Woodard and his wife Brenda; sister, Frances Woodard Bass and husband Roy; eight nieces and nephews; numerous great nieces and nephews and several friends whom she called family. Also left to cherish her memory is Johnny Edwards. She is preceded in death by her mother Gloria Woodard who passed away just a few months before her. A private memorial service will be held on Friday, July 1, 2016 at Beau Jardin on the Natchitoches riverbank at 11:00 am for family and friends to celebrate her birthday and honor her memory. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tribute Program, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908. She would have loved the thought of helping children in need.