Deborah L. Carr

Deborah Lorraine Carr was the first of ten children of Milbry and A.C. Carr, born on December 11, 1947 in Kilgore, Texas. She departed this world on August 2, 2025, surrounded by the love and comfort of her loving family.

Deborah attended North Chapel schools. While there she excelled academically, graduating as the salutatorian of her senior class, just a few points shy of her first cousin, Marvin, who was valedictorian. She was musically inclined, while becoming an excellent clarinetist in her high school band. She was represented as a debutant in the Miss Jabberwock scholarship pageant and appeared in various other competitions.

After graduation, she attended Kilgore Jr. College, earning an associate degree and later transferring to Bishop College in Dallas, Texas. She became a long-distance telephone operator for Southwestern Bell Company for many years. Afterwards, she developed a passion for social working and began a career as a counselor for young people.

She served troubled juveniles and women who were incarcerated in group homes and penitentiaries in Corsicana, Austin, Gatesville, and Longview.

Deborah obeyed the gospel and was baptized at an early age at New Hope Church of Christ in Kilgore and later moved and placed her membership at East Dallas Church of Christ, under the leadership of her grandfather, Bro. R.B.Thurmond, who was minister.  She was a faithful member for many years and had a deep love for Christ and doing His will.

Deborah loved old movies, westerns, strawberry slushes, fried fish, Hostess Ding Dongs and cooking. She was a very excellent cook, and her meatloaves and fried chicken were simply delectable. Deborah loved her family and family gatherings, spending numerous holidays together especially thanksgivings and 4th of July.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents and her grandparents, Donnie and Rosie Mae Carr, Raybon Thurmond and many aunts and uncles.

Deborah leaves to cherish her loving memories three sisters:  Opal (Othello) Beckham, Jean (Tonny) Williams and Bernita Carr; six brothers:  Anthony (Yvonne) Carr, Charles (Cecilia) Carr, Bruce (Phyllis) Carr, Curtis (Lisa) Carr, Michael Carr, and Ray (Catina) Carr. Deborah also leaves to mourn are special nephews and nieces she helped raise and was like a mother to them: Terrence Carr, Vermykia Carr, Shawn Carr and Simone Carr; great nieces, Keyara and Makaila Carr; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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