Debra Ann Hemphill

Debra Ann Hemphill of Charleston, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, December 23, 2025, at her home. She was born on March 5, 1953, in Fort Worth, Texas, to the late Robert Franklin Rowe, Sr. and Georgia Wilma (Jay) Rowe. She was 72 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents; her two husbands, Dale Blythe and Butch Hemphill; and a brother, Mike Rowe.

For several years, Debra was a registered nurse at St. Edwards Hospital (Mercy) in Fort Smith, and later was a retired psychiatric nurse at Harbor View Institute in Barling. She was deeply proud of her nursing career and was a natural caregiver, opening her home and heart to care for several family members over the years.

Debra lived life with strength and purpose. She was strong-willed and stern when needed, yet incredibly forgiving and filled with love for everyone she knew. In her younger years, she participated in water ballet in high school and later developed a love for horses, including riding and racing quarter horses. She enjoyed raising cattle, working on the farm, and was especially skilled at driving the tractor and helping with anything else farm-related.

She loved playing spades, traveling to see new places-especially with her family-and treasured camping trips where memories were made. Holidays held a special place in her heart, and she found her greatest joy being surrounded by her loved ones. A good cook and devoted matriarch, Debra was most proud of her roles as a mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 2nd at Brotherton Funeral Home Chapel in Charleston. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Smith National Cemetery, under the direction of Brotherton Brothers Funeral Home and Flower Shop in Charleston.

She is survived by two sons, Laurel Briley and wife DeWana and Shawn Briley and wife Jenise, all of Charleston; two brothers, Ron Rowe and wife Carolyn of Enid, Oklahoma, and Bob Rowe of Wichita, Kansas; (6) grandchildren, Tasha Briley, Heven Grouse, Shelby Maltzman, Ava Briley, Noah Briley, and Vivi Briley; (4) great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

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