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Deborah Gail Thornton Lewis

Deborah Gail Thornton Lewis obituary

Deborah Lewis Obituary

KINSTON - Debbie Lewis, 56, of Kinston went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Feb-ruary 12, 2010. She passed away at Lenoir Memorial Hospital in Kinston. Diagnosed with a can-cerous brain tumor in October of 2009, she fought a brave battle and was always confident that everything was in God's hands and that He had a plan for her. Debbie was a beautiful and intel-ligent person and a talented artist. She had many interests which included making jewelry, decorating her home, photography and shopping. Debbie worked as a coding supervisor for many years at Lenoir Memorial Hospital until her retirement in 2008. Debbie will be greatly missed by her family which includes her husband, Jim, her son Brian Croom and wife Mandy, all of Kinston, and daughter Heather Matter and husband Greg of Hendersonville, NC. She loved to spoil her grandchildren Brannigan, Mattison, Haley, Aubrey Croom and Maren Matter, and they were the light of her life. Parents are Samuel "Tom" and Peggy Thornton and brothers are Gary Thornton of Kinston, Steve and wife Glynda Thornton of Winterville, and sister, Mary Lynn Thornton of Kinston. Special nieces were Kasi Brooks and husband Matt and Alex Thornton, all of Winterville, and great-nephew, Wyatt Brooks. Also, Father-in-law, Mr. Jim Lewis Sr of Blounts Creek, brother-in-law, Chester Lewis and wife Brenda, nephew Matthew Lewis and wife Megan and niece Erin Campbell and husband Cecil, great-niece Isabelle, all of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Debbie's best friend and "other sister" was Connie Smith of Kinston. Debbie loved all animals and left behind 3 special dogs, Suri, Nemo, and Gabriel, and her parrot, Kismet. The family will receive friends Monday night at Howard-Carter Funeral Home in Kinston from 6-8 p.m. and at other times at the home of Tom and Peggy Thornton, 592 Tyree Road, Kinston. The funeral service will also be held at Howard-Carter Funeral Home at 11 a.m. Tuesday with a private bur-ial afterwards. Howard Carter Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Sign the guest book at www.kinston.com (Paid Obituary)



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Published by Free Press from Feb. 15 to Feb. 18, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Lewis

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Genie Creech-Dansereau

February 23, 2010

Dear Peggy, Tom, Mary Lynn, Steve and Gary, I just learned last night from my Mom that Debbie was gone. She also did not know right away. I have such memories of Debbie as we were growing up in school and at New Hope church. I hate that as we grow up we lose touch with each other. The last time I saw her was at a yard sale she had at her home a few years back. When we were growing up, we used to spend the night with each other for a while there. We rode her horses, shared secrets, and always had a great time. She could sing, play piano, ride horses and was a fantastic artist. All that and sweet and beautiful to boot. I have often thought of her over the years and would sometimes see something about her in the paper. She was always special. All of my family sends their heartfelt prayers. Love, Genie Creech Dansereau

Edgar Banks

February 21, 2010

To the Thornton Family and Steve...How sad I am to learn of Debbie's passing. Like my other classmates, I remember her wonderful smile, her love of horses, and her singing those songs of the late sixties, in particular, "Daydream Believer", in class. From Southwood to South Lenoir, Debbie, you will always be in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.....Edgar Banks class of 72

David F. Taylor

February 19, 2010

Dear Heather and family,
I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. Know that the thoughts and prayers of many are with you in your time of grief.

Becky Sasnett Holleman

February 19, 2010

Mary Lynn and family. I am so sorry about Debbie. I pray that God will hold you in his arms and give you that peace that passes all understanding.

Lou Dudley

February 18, 2010

Peggy and Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Becky Holmes

February 18, 2010

To Debbie's family, I was so shocked to find that Debbie had passed. The last time I saw her, she was so positive and excited about life. She made me feel better just to share those few moments with her. May God bless each of you.

Candy MacDonald

February 17, 2010

Dear Tom,Peggy,Steve,Mary Lyn, and Gary, I am so sorry to hear about Debbie. My cousin Snow, just emailed me or I would have never known. Quite honestly, I am in shock right this moment but I wanted you all to know that though I have been gone from Kinston for 32 years now, I have never forgotten you and I send my love and prayers to you all. And to you, my precious Peggy, how I wish I could come and hold you right now. I hope you know what a wonderful mother you are and I know that you and Tom both know that you will be with your Debbie again. Both of your parents were amazing and I remember all the things you did for me. I love you and you are in my prayers. Candy Gregg MacDonald

Pamela Howard

February 17, 2010

To Debbie's Family,

I am so sorry to hear of Debbie's passing...She was a kind and wonderful person and dear friend...It's sad we grow up and loose track of each other...One of my favorite and funniest memories is when Debbie, Janice (Houston) and I went riding horses on the street that ran behind our houses....It was my first time riding and both Debbie and Janice tried to guide me along....All was going well until we got almost to Camelia Street and my horse decided to keep on going...I was hollaring, holding on and trying to listen to both girls....all to no avail...the horse kept going...(Thank the Lord nothing was coming).......after we got over the shock we laughed all the way back....That has been probably 45 years ago but it seems like many, many less....I will cherish my memories as I know you all do.....May God Bless and Keep you in HIS PEACE....

Love,

Pamela (Raines) Howard

Lorri Wetherington

February 16, 2010

Jim,
I am so sorry that is has taken two recent losses for you and I to re-connect. I did not know Debbie, but I know you and I know that she must have been a wonderful person. I hate that I never had the opportunity to truly meet and get to know her. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and my prayers. Love to you,
Lorri

Cheryl Riggs

February 16, 2010

Jim,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God bless each of you.

Sammy & Cheryl Riggs

Pamela Sanderson Sparks

February 16, 2010

Mary Lynn, Steve and Debbie's family,

I am very sorry to hear about Debbie. We all rode the same school bus as kids and I have always thought Debbie was just beautiful inside and out. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May all of the memories shared with Debbie bring you comfort at this time.

February 16, 2010

I only knew Debbie a short time, I was looking forward to teaching her how to Quilt. She was such a happy person. She will be missed.
Hester Stanley ,Quilting Instructor at LCC.

Bill & Syl Gray

February 16, 2010

Jim and family,
You will be in our thoughts and prayers. I have not seen Debbie in a while and was shocked to read this in the newspaper. She was a sweet person.

Libby Martin

February 15, 2010

Jim and family,
It is obvious that Debbie was a special person to everyone. She enriched your lives! Jim, my heart goes out to you but I know you are surrounded by love.

Donald & Carol Belangia

February 15, 2010

Jim and family, We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Pam Phillips

February 15, 2010

May God's never ending grace comfort you and give you strength and courage to face each day during this difficult time. Each of you are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you.

Lynn Howard

February 15, 2010

FamIly....I knew DebbIe from school...I have not seen her recently nor knew of her Illness....I remember her always In helpIng others wIth a kInd and gentle heart...I do recall we loved anImals together too!! It Is hard to say Goodbye...but we will be able to see her agaIn......KnowIng Jesus ChrIst, that Is HIS comfort for us.. We can once agaIn see her shInIng face of love wIth Jesus....
"THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE,
I'M GONA LET IT SHINE" [like the song says]
DEBBIE DID SHINE HER LIGHT !!!!!.....
God Bless..........Lynn Howard

Steve Pittman

February 15, 2010

Jim, Brian, Heather and Family. I am sorry to hear of Debbie's passing. We graduated High School together. I have fond memories of our times and remember her love of art and horses. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Danny (and wife Donna) Grady

February 15, 2010

To all of Debbie's Family....I have such fond memories of growing up in Jackson Heights and at New Hope Baptist Church many years ago with you all. May God bless you all and give you comfort in your time of loss.

June Gates Packard

February 15, 2010

Debbie and I were classmates in school and that seems like yesterday. I remember how she was always so nice to everyone and such an intelligent young woman. I am sure her family and friends will miss her. I will keep you in my prayers and know that she is in no more pain and with our father.

Debbie Hill

February 15, 2010

My heartfelt sympathy to all of Debbie's family and friends. She was indeed a dear soul and I will miss her, too.

February 15, 2010

To Debbie's Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of loss.
A.G. and Lula Smith

February 15, 2010

Lee and Debbie's family: Aunt Connie just called me (Monday). We are all so very sorry to hear that Debbie is gone. While we can't be with you in the next few days, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love, Joy Skaggs Jackson

Mitzi Hobgood

February 15, 2010

Jim and family,

Thinking of you during this time of bereavement. Debbie was one of the most gifted persons I have ever known and I enjoyed working with her many years at LMH. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

SUSIE PEARSON

February 15, 2010

TO ALL OF DEBBIE'S FAMILY:

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU. DEBBIE WAS A SO SWEET AND HAD THAT EVERLASTING SMILE THAT NO ONE COULD FORGET. MEMORIES ARE THE LEGACY OF LOVE. MAY MEMORIES OF DEBBIE CARRY YOU THROUGH THIS TIME.

SUSIE (HOLLAND-DANIELS) PEARSON

ALLCOX

February 15, 2010

JIM AND THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO ALL THE FAMILY. FRIEND OF JIM SR. ANITA W. EDWARDS

Rose Jones

February 15, 2010

Mr and Mrs. Thornton and family, I will be keeping you in my prayers. I remember Debbie from New Hope Sunday school and also GAs. She was a wonderful person. I know she is in heaven looking down on all you and smiling. Rose Warren Jones

Darlene Jones

February 15, 2010

Dear Family,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your precious Debbie. We at Lenoir Memorial Hospital love and missed her so much when she retired. I am glad she had that special time with each of you after she retired. I visited with her recently and she told me "that no matter what, she was going to be alright because her faith and God would be with her always and she would live forever". My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of loss.

Lynne Nethkin

February 15, 2010

Family of Deborah Lewis i was sorry to here about the passing of Mrs.Deborah i got to know here when she was in the hospital in November when i was doing my cna she touch my heart with her determination to fight and walk again i saw here not long ago when she was their to get blood she remember me and hugged my neck still had that smile on her face and still fighting she said it was in gods hands just wish i got to know her better my thoughts are with you

Joan Moore-Howell

February 15, 2010

To "Debbie's Family",
There was never a time when I saw Debbie that She didn't have a Smile on her face, a sweet and loving comment to say. She and I were classmates and I will always remember her wonderful personality, along with the tremendous love in her heart.
Please know that All of Her Family, are in my thoughts and prayers during this time of your loss..
She will be greatly remembered.

Shannon Sowers

February 15, 2010

Mary Lynn

Thinking of you and your family. So sorry for your loss.

February 15, 2010

Brian,Mandy and family..so sorry about the loss of your Mom..I know you will miss her greatly..know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.love,Donald & Sue Whitley

JUDY ELKINS KING

February 15, 2010

In My Pocket

I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.

My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.

They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.

Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.

But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.

connie herring

February 15, 2010

To Brian,Mr and Mrs Thorton, Gary,Mary I am so sorry for your loss.I will keep all in my prayers and hope if there is anything you need or I can do I will be there. connie herring

Smitty Smith

February 15, 2010

Heather, Brian and grandkids:

You are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you all.

Juanita, Glenn, Vanessa, Ray, and Danielle Futrell

February 15, 2010

Brian & Family,
We're so sorry for your loss, she was a special lady to our family. Danielle loved her some "Nana". I can say The Lord got one special angel when he got her. We are here for you if you need us.

Smitty Smith

February 15, 2010

Jim, Mary Lynn, Steve, Glynda, Gary, Tom and Peggy:

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I love you all.

Love,
Smitty

George and Grace Gray

February 15, 2010

Tom and Peggy,
Can not imagine your feelings at this
time. May all your good memories help
ease your sorrow. Thinking of you and
your family.

Billy Andrews

February 15, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you during your sad time.

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