Debra Joyce Dowden

Debra Joyce (Broussard) Dowden, 68, was born on September 7, 1955, in Beaumont, Texas. She passed away on January 2, 2024, in Lumberton, Texas, with family and friends by her side.
After graduating from South Park High School, Debra pursued a career in cosmetology, only to discover that she had a passion for nursing. She received her nursing degree from Lamar State College – Orange and worked for over 40 years at Baptist Hospital and St. Elizabeth Hospital combined. Many of those years were spent in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where she loved "helping the babies." Debra's hobbies included crafting, scrapbooking, cooking and collecting recipes, and her pets. Those that called her "Debbie", knew of her caring heart and love for family and friends alike but you also knew of her sense of humor and that her laughter would fill a room. Be it a funny movie, a joke, a mishap by you or by herself, there was no discrimination. Her laughter was contagious, and she will be greatly missed by us all.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Frances Ruth (Brim) Broussard and Norvin Matthew Broussard as well as her husband, Stephen M. Dowden. Survivors include her brothers, Wesley Nolan Broussard and David Norvin Broussard, their wives Ouida and Karen, and their children, Wesley Nolan Broussard, Jr., Trisha Ann Broussard, Nikki Ann (Broussard) Grove, Matthew David Broussard and Keith Alan Broussard; eight great-nieces and nephews, and dear friends, Carrie Alvarado, Brenda (White) Perricone, and Charles Okervall.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shorkey Center, 855 South 8 Street, Beaumont, Texas 77701.
A memorial service will be held by her family at a later date.
Her cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard's Crematorium under the direction of Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.