Mrs. Deborah Versen Nelson

"For I know the plans I have for you" says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future of hope." Jeremiah 29:11. "You are not stuck in your circumstances; you are positioned for God's purpose." These were the quotes Debbie loved. They gave her comfort during this hard time of her life. Deborah Versen Nelson went to be with the Lord on Monday, Sept. 6, 2010, following a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family and felt the prayers of many people who loved her. Debbie was born in Baton Rouge on Sept. 7, 1950. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harlis and Ruth Versen, who were of Baton Rouge. Visitation at Greenoaks Funeral Home on Wednesday, Sept. 8, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 9, from 10 a.m. until service at noon. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Debbie is survived by her husband of 37 years, John C. Nelson. She is also survived by two daughters whom she loved very much, Holly Nelson, of Houston, and Laurie Marien and husband Jason Marien, of Baton Rouge; and two grandsons, John Wesley Marien and Adam Charles Marien, sometimes known as Nana's little angels. She is survived by a sister, Carolyn Park, of Houston; and numerous nieces and nephews. Debbie loved her family and friends very much, and never failed to tell them how important they were to her. If she were here today she would tell you to never forget to tell your loved ones how much you love them and to live your life to the fullest. Debbie was a graduate of Glen Oaks High School, Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond and LSU. At Southeastern, she served as co-ed vice president of Student Government, was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi sorority, and a Lionette. Debbie was a retired East Baton Rouge Parish educator. She was a teacher, an assistant principal at Wedgewood Elementary and a principal of Westminster Elementary before she retired. Debbie was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma sorority. Upon retirement from the school system, she worked at APEL where she served as director of university programs. She was an inspiration to college students aspiring to be a teacher. She imparted her love for education to guide those choosing to make a difference in a child's life. Debbie loved her church. She was very active organizing care groups, working in Sunday school, Bible school, drama, and helping in any way that she could to impart God's love for all. Debbie was a member of the Mission Dream Team at the Church of the Highlands. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Brenda Truxillo, of Baton Rouge, Patty Palmer, of Dothan, Ala., Danna Bouey, of Baton Rouge, Debbie Boyer, of Hattiesburg, Miss., Rose Laurent, of Hammond, Patti Valardo, of Marietta, Ga., Alline Russell, of Montgomery, Ala., Kim Zabbia, of Ponchatoula, and Susan Brooks, of Los Angeles. A special thanks goes out to Dr. Castine and his staff as well as the staff on the Pennington Cancer Floor, foutth floor, Baton Rouge General Medical Center-Bluebonnet campus. The family requests that In lieu of flowers a memorial donation be made to the Mission Dream Team at the Church of the Highlands, 17240 Perkins Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810.