Debra J.D. Beaty

Debra Jill Beaty (Dawson), 72, of Hot Springs, passed away peacefully at her home on Sept. 24, 2026.

Debra was born on May 17, 1954, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to Dan Cecil Dawson and Viva Inez Graves.

Debra was fiercely independent and, as those who knew and loved her could attest, wonderfully stubborn. She preferred doing things her own way and faced life with determination and strength. Above all, she loved her family. She was a devoted mother who worked hard throughout her life to make sure her children were cared for and provided for. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were an important part of her life and the legacy she leaves behind.

Debra found happiness in gardening and had a special love for plants and flowers. She was also an animal lover with a tender heart for those that needed a little extra care. A herd of stray cats learned that Debra's home was a dependable place for a good meal. She enjoyed watching them from her kitchen window and made sure they were always well fed. She also left behind her beloved Callie, her faithful companion who was constantly by her side, day and night.

Debra was preceded in death by her parents, Dan Cecil Dawson and Viva Inez Graves; her brother, Dennis Dawson; and her husband, William Beaty.

She is survived by her four children, Katrina Robertson (Shane), Edward Beaty (Mandy), Brent Beaty (Jamyn) and Tyson Beaty; 10 grandchildren, Savanna Lopez (Juan), Andrew Galloway, Noah Robertson, Conner Robertson, Brady Robertson (Melissa), Caitlyn Chambers (Brandon), Tayton Olson, Jackson Canale, William Beaty and Jennifer Beaty; and three great-grandchildren, Ryan Robertson, Kinsley Chacon and Mia Chambers.

Debra will be remembered for her independent spirit, her determination, and yes, even her stubbornness. She loved deeply in her own way, found joy among her plants and flowers, and had a soft spot for the animals that found their way to her door. Her memory will live on in the family she worked so hard to care for and in the many lives, both two-legged and four-legged, she made better through her care.

Arrangements by Arkansas Cremation, 2 Innwood Circle, Little Rock, AR 72211. You may leave a message of condolence to the family using the guestbook section at http://www.arkansascremation.com.

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