Deborah Lynn Stevenson-Word, age 76 of Bearden, AR died Monday, August 11, 2025, at Dallas County Medical Center, surrounded by her family. She was a loving daughter, wife, mother, but was best known to everyone as “Granny.”
She was preceded in death by her parents, Zora Mae Russell and George Stevenson; her in-laws, Wesley and Martha Word. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Samuel Word; four sons all of Bearden, Scott (Morgan) Word, Shawn Word, Shannon Word, Seth (Christie) Word, a daughter of Broken Arrow, OK Samantha (Doug) Hewitt; 21 Grandchildren and 19 Great-Grandchildren. A loving sister and built in best friend Diane Marshall of Greenwood, Arkansas. Also a host of extended family, adopted children and friends.
Deborah, (Momma), was a beautiful, loving, extremely vocal, dedicated and determined woman to protect and love her family to the fullest, even if it was “hard love.” Deborah’s love for Sammy, her children, and grandchildren was never doubted by anyone who knew her.
The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the Dallas County Medical Center’s staff and to Melinda Steed for their amazing care in her last few months. The family will receive family and friends at the Benton Funeral Home in Bearden Arkansas, on Thursday August 14, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Arrangements are by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
843 N. Cedar, Bearden, AR 71720
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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