Deborah "Debbie" Faye Dickerson

Lord’s Day, Sunday, May 27th, 2018 as her family gathered around her and prayed with her.

Debbie was born in Raleigh, NC, the daughter of George H. and Hannah H. Dickerson, a blessing and a

joy, the first of three children. Her sister, Sharon and brother, Howard soon followed thereafter. Early on Debbie had many interests including art, dancing, music, swimming, reading, church and girl scouts. She excelled in school and always enjoyed learning. While in high school she sang in the choir, was a member of the debate club and danced in the Red Peppers cheering squad. As Dad’s job called the family to move to around the country: from Augusta, Miami, Dallas to Charlotte, Debbie enjoyed the adventure and challenge. She started here first year of college at UNC Charlotte, and upon the family returning to Raleigh, she attended NC State University, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. After graduation, Debbie joined the family business full time, where her knowledge, analytical skills, organization and diligence helped the company grow and thrive. She enjoyed working together with both family and co-workers. Debbie had a passion for creating all types of arts and crafts including jewelry-making, cross-stitch, needlepoint, bead-making, pottery-making and more. She also enjoyed the challenge of crossword puzzles, word puzzles, sudoku, jig-saw puzzles and was a life-long avid reader. She loved collecting turtle figurines and jewelry, pottery and took pleasure in collecting and listening to wind-chimes. Debbie was a long-time member of North Raleigh United Methodist and loved being active in church. She enjoyed the Christian fellowship with her friends and family. She loved playing hand-bells in The Rainbow Ringers, where she was once awarded “Bell Ringer of the Year” for most improvement and dedication. She also delighted in Bible studies and the Circle of Joy womans group. Debbie, along with sister Sharon and other talented people, directed or co-directed the KidChimes bell group (3rd-5th graders) for 10 years and helped with Alleluia Choir as well as Vacation Bible School. She was also twice co-superintendent of Sunday School and taught Sunday school. As well as supporting North Raleigh United Methodist, and giving to special offerings and worthy charities, Debbie gave to the United Methodist Church $10.00 club, that helps fund and start new Methodist churches. She also worked on many church committees in various capacities, as time allowed. Debbie enjoyed worshiping God together with family and friends in the Souljourn contemporary worship service and traditional worship services. Debbie, was a true friend, one you wanted by your side, who loved to share a smile or a laugh, who was very thoughtful, often introspective, quite smart and always a learner, who saw the beauty around her in God’s amazing world, in family and in friends, she was not always outspoken, but sometimes could be, someone you could count on when the times got tough, when a job needed to be done, she knew how to roll up her sleeves and make it happen, working together with others for a common goal, at home, at work, at church, or in a musical group, not looking for praise, but for the joy of combined efforts to accomplish something wonderful together. Just like all of us, she had her moments of joy and pain, happiness and sadness, mountaintop and valley experiences. But, with her faith in God, loving family and good friends, she made it through, and thrived. Those who truly knew her have been blessed! Debbie is survived by her loving Dad, George; her loving sister and brother, Sharon and Howard; her aunt and uncle, Janet and Fred Burke; cousins, nieces and nephews; and her extended Christian family at North Raleigh United Methodist Church.

Debbie, thank you for your incredible love and friendship, thanks for the many ways you showed how much you cared. We will love you always, you are an inseparable part of who we are - and always will be. We will see you again one day - Love, George, Sharon and Howard.

Visitation: Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 1701 E. Millbrook Rd, Raleigh, NC, Friday, June 8th, 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Funeral Service: North Raleigh United Methodist Church, 8501 Honeycutt Rd, Raleigh, NC, Saturday, June 9th

Reception: 1:00 p.m., Fellowship Hall

Memorial Service/Celebration of Life: 2:00 p.m., Sanctuary