Debra Joyce (Broussard) 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 8th 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.
Debbie and I have known each other since we were two years old. We went to the same Church and schools as we grew up. She was so much fun to be around and she would keep me and others around her laughing. She is very intelligent and always highly respected. I knew her late husband Steve very well and know he loved her truly. I would always stop her for speeding but would not write my friend and she knew I would not write her a ticket ( she would be laughing and me). Debbie I love you and miss you but know you are a sweet beautiful angel angel trying to bring you…Friends Forever and may God Always Bless you..Love & Best Friends Forever, Miss You, David W Brooks
Deb was a very good & kind person. May she rest in Heaven
Love Suzy Thompson
Aunt Deb was the best. I so miss her presence in this world. Some of my best memories are her and Uncle Stevie coming to my parents’ house and visiting. Laughing for hours on end. She gave each of my children their very first haircut. It was our tradition. And if you needed to pour your heart out and commiserate, she was a willing ear and a bastion of support. I love you, Aunt Deb.
Aunt Debra was an amazing woman. I have known her as my Aunt my entire life. Considering she was married to my mother’s brother Stephen Madison Dowden. I am so sorry for the loss of her. I will miss her good cooking and laughter. She was a kind Soul. I loved her so much.
Debbie was one of my brother Joel Childs’ best high school friends. She became my friend too. She was kind enough to cut my hair for years. I continued to drive over from Houston for a few years just to have her cut my hair.
I saw her at the hospital a few years ago when my mom was in for a stay. Debbie was as sweet as ever.
To know her was to love her. She was a sweet soul. So many will miss her dearly.
God bless her family and close friends. We all loved her.