Debra Mae Harrelson

Debra Mae was born May 29, 1940 in Spruce Pine, NC. She spent her teenage years in Belmont, NC and attended Belmont High School. Debra Mae held several positions with NAPA Auto Parts, eventually working her way to become the company’s second female traveling salesperson. She later worked with Milton Bradley Toys as a sales representative, where she received the 1981 award of “Service Representative of the Year.” At 47, Debra Mae became the oldest of her graduating class as a flight attendant with Piedmont Airlines, and there, won the 1987 award of “Outstanding Trainee.” In the 1980’s until early 2000, she did many television ads for Harrelson Ford and Mazda.

At the time of her passing, Debra was enjoying her time between Charlotte and Palm Beach Gardens, FL.

As mother, Mae Mae, sister Debra, Aunt Debra, and dear friend, she was adored by so many who loved her quick wit, sense of fun, and enormously compassionate and thoughtful personality. Never a birthday unrecognized, a failure not consoled, a success not celebrated. A friend to every person she met; a fabulous story and joke teller. Her legacy of kindness and generosity will be forever remembered by her many family members and friends. She will be immensely missed.

Debra’s life was made even more enjoyable with the birth of her grandson, Christian, whom she adored. Countless others were also blessed to be such a special part of her life.

Debra was predeceased by her father, Jack English of Bakersfield, NC.

Debra is survived by her mother, Edith Pittman Wolter of Belmont; daughter, Tamera Foxx Redgard and husband Neil of Charlotte and Singapore; son, Ricky Foxx Upton and wife Patricia of Charlotte and Palm Beach Gardens, FL; grandsons, Christian, Ronnie and Arturo; sisters, June, Angela and Shay; brothers, Roger and Jack; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and half-brothers and sisters. She is also survived by her ex-husband, Louis Harrelson, and step-children, Bobby, Misty, Brook and Kim Harrelson.

To our beloved mother, thank you for living your life by example. You are forever in our hearts. Tamera and Rick.

A time of visitation to celebrate Debra’s extraordinary life will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 5th at Harry & Bryant Company, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte.

A memorial celebration will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Dilworth at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 6, 2011, followed by interment at Sharon Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Autism Speaks, 4530 Park Rd. #320, Charlotte, NC 28209, www.autismspeaks.org.