Deborah Lynn Gawrieh

Deborah Lynn Gawrieh, 61, of White Oak passed away Monday, August 10, surrounded by her family. 

She was born in Heber Springs, Arkansas on May 28, 1954 to Wayne and Ellen Garrett and had 4 sisters. She graduated from Heber Springs High School in1972 and then moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. 

She then met the man she would marry at Wyatt's Cafeteria in 1977 where they both worked. Shortly after meeting, they began dating and were married on January 17, 1981. Together they had four children, and all four of them were the center of her universe. Every day of her life was dedicated to taking care of her husband and children, and she did so by always driving everyone around to practices, games, tournaments and events while still making sure everyone ate and knew that they were loved. 

In late 2003, she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Disease Lymphoma and underwent treatment at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She went into remission but it returned only one year later in 2004. At that time she was only given a 12 percent chance of survival and fought long and hard, and won her battle. She went into remission again and remained cancer free until late 2014, where she underwent treatment again at MD Anderson. 

She became a grandmother in February of 2006 and then again in September of 2013. She was the best, most selfless and engaged grandmother there could ever be. She gave every moment to her husband, kids and grandkids and will always be loved and remembered for her love and total acceptance of everyone she knew.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her mother and father in law, aunts, uncles and family friend Kathy Moody.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Jack Gawrieh of White Oak, her four children; daughter Shami Gawrieh and granddaughter Riley Gawrieh both of White Oak, daughter and son in law Nineveh and Klint Blankenship and granddaughter Fannin Blankenship of Gladewater, son and daughter in law Emanuel and Larkin Gawrieh of Washington, DC, and son and fiancee Joseph Gawrieh and Brittney Reed of White Oak and Richland, Washington respectively. Brothers in law and sisters in law Sami and Debby Gawrieh of Hallsville and George and Janet Gawrieh of Texarkana, Arkansas. Her four sisters, Sharon White of Cabot, Arkansas, Patricia Latch, Beth Adcock and Peggy Phillips all of Heber Springs, Arkansas. Eight nieces, five nephews and special family members, the Moody's. 

Visitation will be Thursday August 13 from 6-8:00 pm at Rader Funeral Home, where the family welcomes any and all to come.

Memorial services will be held Friday August 14 at 1:00 pm at White Oak Community Church.

The family would like to thank Dr. Paolo Anderlini and the entire staff at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. Flowers may be sent to Rader Funeral Home or White Oak Community Church. If anyone wishes to make a donation, please do so to MD Anderson Cancer Center.

A memorial guestbook may be signed at www.raderfh.com.