Lillie Joyner Ferrell Debnam
July 3, 1930 – August 18, 2016
ZEBULON – Lillie Joyner Ferrell Debnam, 86, passed late Thursday night. A native of Wake County and was the daughter to the late Willie Thurston & Lorna Baker Ferrell. She graduated from Wakelon High School and was a former hairdresser. She retired from Debnam Hardware in 1992 after working many years with her husband James. She was known for helping customers and brightening their day with her kind spirit and laughter. She loved her family and enjoyed taking care of them all. Lillie and James raised three children and spent their days in retirement raising three of their four grandchildren. She was a member of Zebulon Baptist Church, a Cub Scout leader, and enjoyed bridge club. Everyone she met was touched in some fashion through her positive spirit, genuine love, and contagious laugh. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her husband and best friend of 65 years James Mitchell Debnam Sr.; son, Jim Debnam Jr. (Hilda) of Zebulon; daughters, Lynette Debnam Roberts (Dexter) of Charlotte, Cindy Debnam Mallard (Gary) of Zebulon; grandchildren, Nathan Roberts (fiancé Olivia Gibbons), Kayla Mallard, Cameral Mallard, Laura Mallard; sisters-in-laws, Melrose Ferrell, Dearl Ferrell; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Josephine Scarboro, Elizabeth Murray, Billy Ferrell, Sprite Ferrell, and Bobby Ferrell.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Zebulon Baptist Church, PO Box 366, Zebulon, NC 27597.
The family of Lillie Joyner Ferrell Debnam wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to all for the expressions of love, encouragement, and support they have received during her illness and their time of bereavement.
Funeral service will be held 11:30 Monday at Zebulon Baptist Church with visitation from 10-11:30 am prior to the service and other times at the home 900 N. Church Street, Zebulon NC. Burial at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home, 211 W. Third Street, Wendell, NC.www.stricklandfuneralhomes.net
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