Debra Ann Hudson West of Calhoun City passed from this life on Thursday, March 18, 2021 in Scottsdale, Arizona. Debbie was born April 17, 1957 in Florida and was lovingly adopted at the age of three months by Curtis and Louise Hudson of Batesville, MS. As an only child, Debbie took center stage in her parents' hearts and those of many close family members, friends, and patrons of their family business; A special family friend who helped rear Debbie, "Reecee", loved Debbie all of her life and the feeling was mutual. With her parents' home adjacent to the family business, Debbie could be found leading her pony, Tarzan, through the store so they both could enjoy their favorite beverage, a glass bottle of Coca-Cola. Music and life were two inseparable words to Debbie which her parents realized before she was the age of three as Debbie would run to twirl a baton to the theme music of Hawaii Five-0. A naturally gifted child, Debbie loved to sing and dance which was highlighted by the many beautiful costumes her mother hand-crafted for all of her performances. In her later teens, Debbie gave her heart to Jesus while kneeling beside her cherished piano stool. From then until the end of her life, Debbie had a hunger for the Lord.
Graduating from West Panola Academy in 1975, Debbie went on to receive her music degree at Blue Mountain College. She then received her Master of Music in Worship Leadership from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Debbie was a youth director, choir director, high school musical director, and taught many piano and voice lessons to hundreds of students at various churches and schools through the years.
Serving in ministry as a single adult for many years, Debbie's heart and life were full until she met the love of her life, Scott West. Debbie married Rodney Scott West on March 16, 2002, and together they joined forces in ministry, loving and serving together. Both Debbie and Scott had a deep compassion for children and throughout their marriage opened their hearts and home to twenty foster children, adopting two boys to call their own in the process who were Debbie’s pride and joy.
As a big kid herself, Debbie was never an observer; she was a participant in all things fun which included kickball games, trampoline jumps, shopping trips, and concerts to name a few. Debbie knew the joy of the Lord always had been and would remain her strength.
Debbie is survived by her husband Scott, sons Peyton and Benjamin, parents-in-law Willie Jobe and Shirley West, a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, special friends: Sharon and Tony Rodriguez and Teresa and Gary Campbell, Batesville YaYa Sisters, Faith Family Church congregation and countless family, friends, former youth, music students, and church bodies.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents; wonderful step-father, Ewell Hudson (who entered her life a few years after her father's passing,) Reese Martin, Aunt Jean Barns, Aunt Dot Hardy and special friend Rita Venson.
There was never a doubt Debbie knew where she was going after this life. She shared her story many times with many others. Her sincerity, gentleness, and kindness were a light for all around her. Debbie truly touched numerous lives and wholeheartedly worshiped her Savior, writing and singing beautiful songs for Him. The family's solace is that Debbie is celebrating with Jesus today.
The visitation for Debbie will be held on Friday March 26, 2021 from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm with the funeral following at 1:00 pm at Parker Funeral Home in Bruce, MS. Bro. Ethan Nanney and Gary Campbell will officiate. Instrumental music and song will be provided by Eddie Bollinger. Debbie will be buried at Magnolia Cemetery in Batesville, MS.
Pallbearers will be Debbie’s nephews and special friends: Tony Rodriguez, Michael Byars, Brandon Shankle, Justin Purvis, Colby Parker, Evan Parker, Greyson Parker, Harrison Nanney, and Samuel Nanney.
In lieu of flowers the family, to please donate to The Gideon's International at gideons.org or fill out a form at the funeral home.
Parker Memorial Funeral Home is honored to be serving the West family during this difficult time.
