Deborah Susan Peterson

Deborah Susan (Lee) Peterson (70) of Lake Charles Louisiana passed away after a very long and courageous fight with breast cancer, surrounded by the family she loved with her whole heart. Throughout her battle, Debbie showed the same grace, humor, and strength that defined her entire life.

She was the middle of 5 children, born to David and Doris Lee in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She was close to her grandmother Ruby May (Savoie) Carnahan aka MawMaw Carnahan. She was preceded in death by her siblings, parents and grandparents.

After high school, Debbie moved to California, where she thrived and built a life full of adventure and independence. Eventually, she chose to return to Arkansas - a decision that would change her life forever. It was there she met a Californian who would become the love of her life, Randy Peterson, and from that moment on they were a pair.

Debbie and her husband, Randy Peterson, were the perfect match. Married for 43 years, they complemented and completed each other in every way - what one lacked, the other carried. Their marriage was a partnership built on faith, humor, and ornery affection. God was purposeful and gracious when He brought them together, and their love remained a steady, beautiful constant through every season of life.

She is survived by her stepsons, Jordan and Corey Peterson; and her daughters, Lindsay Peterson and Megan Engleman, and her son in law, Blake Engleman.

Debbie was the proud grandmother of five grandchildren - Parker, August, Clive, Margaux, and Vincent - each of whom brought her immeasurable joy. They were her greatest delight, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

She was very proud of her Cajun roots and recipes. Her unbeatable gumbo was her specialty. If you wandered into the kitchen while she was making a roux, you were going to have to take a turn stirring it until your arm hurt. Feeding her loved ones was one of her love languages, and sending left overs for later was how she showed she cared.

She especially treasured Christmas time. She loved being generous, gift giving all year round, but decorating and anticipating the big day made the whole season exciting for everyone. Her tree was always done in beautiful excess- heavy with lights and ornaments, each one placed with care, and the perfectly wrapped gifts overflowing from underneath it were always topped with one of her homemade bows, crafted with the same love and attention she poured into everything she did. It was art; a feast for the eyes.

Debbie also loved the ocean, a place where she felt peace, joy, and freedom. She passed that love on to her children and grandchildren, creating sun-dappled memories they will carry for a lifetime. When they think of the ocean - the waves, the sand, the laughter - they will think of their "Deedee" and the fun they shared with her there.

She made friends everywhere she went. She was funny, warm, and loved to talk - even to herself. You didn't have to be in the room to know what she was doing, you could hear the play-by-play, including commentary from anywhere. Her family will miss the sound of her voice, they will miss her calls, too - the ones asking what they were doing, even if she had just seen them. And the texts that always had way too many punctuation points making everything look very urgent (!!!!!!). Those small, everyday moments were her way of loving, and they will be deeply missed.

Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the strength she modeled, and the love she poured into her family. Though her absence leaves an ache beyond measure, the imprint of her life remains.

Deborah, Debbie Sue, Deb, Mom, Dee-Dee...forever loved and always remembered.

Cremation Arrangements have been entrusted to Simplicity Burial & Oklahoma Cremation Centers. Friends and family may leave condolences and kind words of comfort at https://www.simplicityburialcremation.com