Mrs. Deborah “Debbie” Edwards Watkins, 75, of Raleigh, NC passed away peacefully on Sept. 19, 2024. Debbie was preceded in death by her parents Melvin Ray Edwards and LaVerne Witmer Edwards as well as her sweet sister, Cindy Edwards.

Debbie was born on July 6, 1949 in El Paso, Texas and later attended Lumberton High School, Lillington High School and NC State. For over 50 years, Debbie was married to Marshall Watkins, who passed away suddenly in 2017. They spent most of their free
time together and she has missed him every day since.

Debbie was a devoted, loving, and fun mother and will be greatly missed by her son, Mark Watkins, daughter Denise Funderburk, and son-in-law Ritch Funderburk. Debbie adored her grandsons, Noah and Cayden Funderburk, and they will miss being able to laugh with her and tell her crazy stories. Noah’s girlfriend, Catherine, as well as Mark’s
girlfriend, Ghada and daughter Lily, over the last 4-5 years quickly began to love and cherish Debbie. Her brother, Sandy Edwards and wife Leanne, along with their children Ansley and Beckley, will miss enjoying Debbie’s company for a meal or a good laugh.
Ricky Stroup, her cousin, was especially helpful in caring for her these last few months and will miss her along with the rest of her cousins. Debbie loved to pray and spent much time praying for her family and the many friends that she loved dearly. Debbie
served as a Bible Study Fellowship leader for many years and dedicated hours weekly volunteering at every church she has ever attended.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Christ Baptist Church, 400 Newton Rd, Raleigh, NC 27615 on Saturday 9/28 at 11:00am. Visitation begins prior to the service at 10:00am.

A family luncheon will follow the service in the Christ Baptist Fellowship Hall.

Graveside service, for anyone who wants to attend, will be at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27603 at 2:15 this same day, 9/28. In lieu of cut flowers, please send potted plants that the family can enjoy for years to come.