Deborah Kathaleen Watley, age 71, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026.  She was born August 3, 1954 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Deborah retired from the Alexander Human Development Center where she loved working with the residents there and was also a beautician.  She was a people person and a loving & compassionate person.  Deborah loved the Lord and her church family at Forest Hills Missionary Baptist Church very much.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Herbert & Willie Mae Blakley and her husband, Ralph Watley.

Deborah is survived by her brother, James Winfield Blakley and several cousins.

Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 26 at Pinecrest Memorial Park.  Bro. Marcus Blakley will be officiating.  There will be an open visitation.

The family would like to thank the people at Four Seasons Assisted Living and Alcoa Pines Health & Rehab for the care they gave her.