Debra Presson

Debra Presson was born on December 18, 1959 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Lucien Perlingiere and Jean Perlingiere-Crocker and passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at the age of 62. Debra was the 5th of 6 children, and grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

After beginning a career in healthcare, she later branched into the hospitality industry and went on to serve as the Catering Director for the Fort Smith Golden Corral for 15 years. In 2009 Debra was appointed to the Advertising & Promotions Commission of the city of Fort Smith where she served for the remainder of her life, helping to further the efforts of local businesses and tourism for the city.

In addition to her work as catering director, she also devoted herself tirelessly to many causes that were near and dear to her heart. Debra volunteered at many different organizations including the Children’s Emergency Shelter, the Salvation Army, and the Boy’s Shelter. Debra served as board member for the American Cancer Society and was a committee member for both the Rodeo Fair Board Committee as well as the Junior Livestock Auction Committee. Her love for people was only matched by her love for animals and she served as a board member of the Sebastian County Humane Society as well. Her lifelong devotion to the service of others undoubtedly touched the lives of countless individuals in need.

Of all the different roles and titles Debra held, being Nonna to her 5 year old granddaughter, Blaykleigh, was undoubtedly her absolute favorite of all. In addition to her granddaughter, Debra lives on through her son Zackary Eubanks; her siblings Alan (Cathy) Perlingiere, James (Julie) Perlingiere, Tom (Lucia Chuery) Perlingiere, and Tina (Tim) Pinter; aunts, Joy (Rick) Rye and Christine (Bobby) Foley, as well as many nieces and nephews: Angela Bice, William Perlingiere, Danielle Brown, Christian Perlingiere, Juliana Perlingiere, Alex Perlingiere, Rachel Pinter, and Robert Pinter. Debra is proceeded in death by her father Lucien Perlingiere; her mother Jean Perlingiere-Crocker; her loving brother Blake Perlingiere; aunts Carol Estep and Billie Mae (Ray) Garnand.

Having the gift of gab, Debra rarely met a stranger that didn’t quickly become a new friend. To know Debra was to love Debra. Debra’s zest for life lifted spirits wherever she went and her greatest gift to the world was that of laughter. She will be missed dearly by so many that knew and loved her.

Funeral Service will be at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, March 21st at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at Oak Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

Family will greet friends from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Sunday, March 20th at the funeral home.

There will be a reception lunch after the committal service at the cemetery, at The Fort Smith Convention Center, halls A2/A3, for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Debra’s honor to the Ahimsa Rescue Foundation Spay and Neuter Clinic, 801 Ironwood St., Muldrow, OK 74948 or go to www.ahimsarescuefoundation.org, or the Salvation Army of Fort Smith, 301 N. 6th St., Fort Smith, AR 72901 or go to www.salvationarmyfs.org