Deborah Kay Blackiston, age 65

Deborah Kay Blackiston, 65 of Cabot, AR. Passed away at home to become an Angel of the Heavens on May 16, 2024.

Deborah was born on January 29, 1959 to Bennie Doyle Leigh and Patricia Lou Wingate – Leigh in Washington, DC.

Deborah was baptized as a teenager with her brother Avery at Park Hill Baptist Church NLR, AR.

She graduated from Northeast High School NLR, AR June 2^nd 1977. Deborah lived in Madison, Wisconsin where it could be said she became an avid Green Bay Packers fan. After a brief marriage to Tim Frank of Fond du Lac, WI. She moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL. January 1980. Deborah established numerous friendships while employed at the Fort Lauderdale News Sun Sentinel. It was during her employ with the newspaper where she met what would become her lifelong soulmate, Robert N. Blackiston of Cleveland, (Parma), Ohio and they were married on September 26, 1981. Deborah and Robert celebrated the birth of their son Joshua Daniel Blackiston on April 3^rd, 1982. Deborah, Robert and Joshua moved to Simi Valley, CA. where they lived for a short period with her mother, Patricia Wingate Gernold, stepfather, Charles Kerwin Gernold and brother Avery D. Leigh. They returned to the natural state where they would celebrate the birth of twins; Matthew Avery Blackiston and John David Blackiston born July 21^st, 1985. Shortly after their birth the family moved to Cabot, Arkansas where all 3 boys graduated from Cabot High School. 2000 & 2004 respectively.

While balancing multiple jobs as a couple and 3 children, Deborah enrolled with the Baptist School of Nursing. She graduated with honors on December 14^th 1990. Deborah was employed first at Baptist Hospital NLR, and 2^nd with University of Arkansas Medical Center. She was a consummate and selfless professional for 20+ years in the mother-baby unit. She was oversite predominately of weekend crew serving in multiple capacities every shift as secretary, patient load and charge nurse. Deborah was loved and well respected her fellow nurses and coworkers.

Deborah, Robert and children gave shelter and compassionate residence to her bother Avery Leigh in February 1991. Avery lived in Cabot until he passed away of HIV complications on November 9^th 1992. Deborah and Avery were inseparable. No greater love of brother / sister.

Deborah passionately loved and was a light of Life to their sons and friends through their growth in school and sports. Deborah was an eminence of love to both the patients under her care and specifically her surviving blessings from heaven grandchildren; Emersyn, Campbell, Briggs, Maverick, Cole and Boone Blackiston.

Deborah was predeceased by her father, Bennie D. Leigh, her brother Avery D. Leigh and her beloved and incredible stepfather Charles Kerwin Gernold. Deborah is survived by her husband and caregiver Robert Blackiston, 3 sons, Joshua, Matthew and John; 3 daughters in law; Kelsey (Barrett) Blackiston of Cabot, Jessie (Sullivan) Blackiston of Beebe, AR and Lauren (Daniels) Blackiston also of Cabot. AR. Deborah is also survived by her beloved and free will giving mother Patricia Lou Wingate-Gernold. She is also survived by family and a few close friends.

Deborah preferred no formal service. There will be a graveside service which is undetermined at this time. At a later date, Deborah will ultimately be laid to rest at Sumner Cemetery on Sumner Cemetery Road in Pulaski County, Arkansas. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in any amount to the non-profits: Arkansas Nurses Honor Guard (See: Facebook) & or; Arkansas Sheriffs Youth Ranch of Batesville, Arkansas.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com