We've lost a wonderful Auburn Lady

[OldNewby 27]

WATSON, Debra Ballant, age 45, of Montgomery, AL, died November 28, 2008 after a long battle with cancer. Her final days were spent at home in the presense of her loving family and under the benevolent care of Hospice of Montgomery. She is survived by her husband Mike Watson, parents Fran and August Ballant, 13 year old son Mason Watson, son Will Watson and wife Tyler Ely Watson, daughter Smith Watson Beevers and husband Jonathan Beevers, daughter Mallory Watson and fiancee John Searcy, brother and sister-in-law Terry and Cathy Ballant, niece Hillary Ballant Ryan and husband Andrew Ryan, niece Mallory Ballant and several aunts and uncles. Deb was born in Ft. Benning, GA on January 7, 1963 and, after several years living in Germany and other areas of our country, moved permanently to Montgomery in her early teens. After her education at Jefferson Davis High School and Auburn University at Montgomery Deb began a career in sales and advertising which culminated in the establishment of her own company, Kaleidoscope Communications. Professional pursuits were suspended upon the birth of her child Mason in June of 1995 and her life thereafter revolved around being a nurturing mother to her son, a caring wife to her husband and a friend to all who knew her. Deb was outstanding at each... even as she struggled with her illness. She was a talented artist with a style often characterized as "whimsical" by those in the community. Her work was on display at local galleries but her paintings are most likely to be encountered in the home of a friend, wrapped as a gift from Deb or in an auction for a charitable organization. Deb's piece entitled "Decorate your Days" was selected by the Montgomery Cancer Wellness Foundation as the 2008 Holiday Hope art greeting. A memorial service to celebrate Deb's life will be held on Monday December 1, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church on West Cloverdale Park in Montgomery. Dr. Lawson Bryan will be officiating along with the participation of guest minister John Schmidt. Visitation with the family will begin in the Friendship Room of the Church one hour prior to the service. Her remains will be interred at the First United Methodist Church Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, Deb has requested that contributions be made to the Montgomery Cancer Wellness Foundation, 4145 Carmichael Road, Montgomery, AL 36106 / (334) 272-2279

Debbie was a great lady, and loved Auburn very much. Prayers for Mike, Mason, her parents and her family.