Debra K. Willis

Debra Kay Harwell Willis, 52, of Fort Smith, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, April 14, 2011. She was born in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico on May 21, 1958 to Dorothy Nelson Harwell and the late Orien Harvey Harwell. Debra graduated from Abilene Christian High School in Abilene, Texas and attended Abilene Christian University.

On May 24, 1980 she married Dr. Mark Willis and assisted in the administration of his dental practice after they moved to Fort Smith in 1985. She had been involved with Bible Study Fellowship since 1986 and was part of the family of Central Christian Church in Fort Smith. She was preceded in death by her brother, David James Harwell.

Jesus was her best friend. Anyone who knew Debra would describe her as a servant, full of grace and compassion, thoughtful and encouraging, wise and understanding, giving, and a humble servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. This world, and specifically our community is a better place because of the influence of Debra Willis.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 31 years, Mark of Fort Smith; three daughters, Kathryn Nicole Willis, Lauren Jenae Willis, and Madelyn Elizabeth Willis of the home; her mother, Dorothy Harwell of Fort Smith; one sister, Linda Shank of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico; two brothers, Charles Harwell of Dallas, Texas, and Mark Harwell of Woodland Hills, California; two nieces, Terri Bell of Texarkana, Texas, and Sheri Cortez of Houston, Texas; and one nephew, Steven Bell of San Antonio, Texas.

Funeral service will be 10:00 am on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at Central Christian Church, 400 N. Waldron Rd., Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72903. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm on Friday, April 22, at Fentress Mortuary, 1805 N. “A” St., Fort Smith, Arkansas, 72901. Memorial contributions may be made to Panama Mission Foundation at panamamissionfoundation.org or PMF, P.O. Box 907, Madera, CA 93639.

Pall bearers will be Charles Harwell, George Willis, Jim Willis, J.D. Williams, David Burton, and Dr. Mitchell Harper.