Biography: Deborah Ann Usery Dillon, of Bryant, went to be with her Lord on December 29, 2006 at the age of 55 years. She was born in Washington, D.C. on November 15, 1951 to the late Colonel James B. Usery, Jr., and Bobbie (Greer-Usery) Schroeder. Survivors include her husband of 33 years, Tom Dillon; her mother and step-father, Bobbie & Milan “Fuzz” Schroeder; sisters and brothers-in-law, Karen & David Cobb and Vicki & Greg Miller; brothers & sisters-in-law, David & Pam Usery and Jim & Rhonda Usery; sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Cathy & Richard Drilling. She is also survived by nieces & nephews, Leslie Lennon (Bryan), Seth Cobb (Jensie), Kc Usery, Matthew Usery, Austin Usery, Sydney Usery, Diane Wright (Chris), Michelle Drilling, Sarah Miller, Joe Miller, Ashley Baldwin (Jeff), Brittany Best, Austin Best; many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father; grandparents, James B. & Oneta Usery and William & Lois Greer; and an aunt, Alice Katherine Word. Debbie touched countless lives by daily walking with the Lord. She was the ultimate encourager. Debbie never missed an opportunity to lift up others and to love her family and friends in tangible ways. She was a most excellent teacher. Not only did she teach math at Northeast High School for seven years, but she continued to teach so many others outside the classroom sharing her wisdom and faith. She inspired many through her involvement and work with the youth at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church and the Arkansas Baptist Super Summer program. Debbie loved music. She joyfully praised her God by singing in the choir and playing hand bells with Joyful Sound. Debbie and Tom have been long-time members of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, where Debbie was a wedding coordinator and taught Sunday school to high school youth for 25 years. Debbie was a graduate of the University of Arkansas and an avid Razorback fan. The family wishes to express special appreciation to Dr. Larry Mendelsohn and staff, the Nursing staff of St. Vincent Oncology, ICU, and CCU, and the staff of Hospice Home Care. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2007 at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church with funeral services following on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m., also at the church, officiated by Dr. Bruce Chesser and Rev. Paul Sanders. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park. Memorials should be made to Geyer Springs First Baptist Church Building Fund, P. O. Box 31510, Little Rock, 72260. Funeral arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home of Little Rock, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.
She was smart, good humored, and patient.We felt like we were a team, and she was out leader as together we tried to figure out not just math problems but our teenaged issues.
I am sorry I am only now learning of her death. I always thought I would run into her again in real life or on social media. I have told my kids about her for years, using her as an example of a teacher who explained complex material in a clear, meaningful way and at the same time created a joyful and supportive classroom environment. One of my sons is a calculus teacher.