Debbie Rawn

Debbie Wools Rawn, a loving wife, mom, Nana, teacher, and friend to all, passed peacefully from this life into the next on February 26, 2025, in Maumelle, Arkansas. She was born on May 22, 1951, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Judge Russell and Laura Wools.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 51 years, Bobby Rawn of Maumelle; three sons and their wives, Jason and Kelli Rawn of Little Rock, Jeremy and Molly Rawn of Fayetteville, and Josh and Whitney Rawn of Little Rock. She was blessed with six wonderful grandchildren: Collier, Miller, Opal, Libby, Amelia, and Charlie Rawn. Along with her two faithful fur babies, Rocky and Max, Debbie also leaves behind her cherished exchange student sons and daughters from around the world, whom she loved as her own.

From a young age, Debbie was filled with an unyielding passion for dance and the theater. She was raised in a home filled with music—her father often playing his piano and guitar. She began her dance training at the age of 4 and continued to refine her skills throughout her life. She eventually studied under the mentorship of Manolo Agullo at the Arkansas Arts Center, and later at UALR. She later studied in New York City under Luigi Faccuito, where she was given the opportunity to dance professionally in Luigi’s Jazz Center. As much as she loved this opportunity, she decided to stay home and raise a family. Debbie was able to locally perform in numerous productions at the Arkansas Repertory Theater, with some of her favorite roles being in Chicago, Evita, and The Good Woman of Szechwan. Debbie’s love for dance and the arts led her to share her talent and knowledge as a teacher. She worked alongside her dear friend Sally Riggs Insalaco at Studio One in North Little Rock, where they taught ballet, tap, and jazz. Later, Debbie opened her own studio, Dance Works, in Maumelle. At both studios, she nurtured, encouraged, supported, and touched the lives of hundreds of students, showing them all how to be their best selves on stage and off. In addition to her passion for the arts, Debbie dedicated much of her life to volunteering. She devoted countless hours to AFS, a foreign exchange student program, where she found host families, conducted student and host family orientations, chaired the Metro Arkansas Chapter, counseled students and families, and held various leadership positions at the state level. In 2008, she began volunteering with Alzheimer’s Arkansas and ultimately became a board member in 2021. She and Bobby were founding members of St. Nicholas Episcopal Church in Maumelle. Debbie was an active member of the Daughters of the King, participated in the Haden Institute for spiritual direction, and pursued further spiritual growth through the Education for Ministry (EFM) program.

Debbie’s life was defined by love, hope, and unwavering acceptance. She was a fierce advocate for those without a voice and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need.

A memorial service will be held at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 12415 Cantrell Rd., Little Rock, AR, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 2:00 pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Vincent Insalaco residence, 567 Silverwood Trail, NLR immediately following the service.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Arkansas at https://www.alzark.org/ or St. Nicholas Episcopal Church, PO BOX 13677, Maumelle, AR 72113.

Debbie will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her and seeing her beautiful smile. May her legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness continue to inspire us all.