Deborah Daniel Hunt

Deborah Daniel Hunt, 72, passed away Sunday, December 28, 2025, at her home after being cared for by family and Duke Hospice. She is preceded in death by her father, R.E. Daniel; mother Blanche Reaves Daniel; brothers Wesley R. Daniel and A. Wayne Daniel; and her beloved husband of 50 years, Bobby V. Hunt.
Debbie was born in Durham on February 5, 1953. She graduated from Jordan High School in Durham in 1971, attended UNC-Chapel Hill, and graduated from Kings Business College.
Debbie retired from Duke University after more than 30 years of service where she enjoyed working alongside work-study students and co-workers as Office Manager at Asian-Pacific Studies Institute. Prior to working at Duke, she also held various jobs in the Durham community, including the Durham County Courthouse and the American Heart Association. She balanced her career and caring for her three children masterfully, often working part-time when her children were young to be present and support their activities. She also volunteered with Angel Flight providing transportation for critically ill patients.
From birth, Debbie was an active member of Ephesus Baptist Church in Durham until later transferring her membership to Yates Baptist Church in 1986. She volunteered in many capacities, and especially enjoyed serving in the church nursery and teaching young girls with the "Girls in Action" (GA's) church ministry. She had a knack for cooking and baking and would be the first to bring a meal to a family celebrating or mourning. Debbie loved supporting her children and grandchildren and was a steady presence at their numerous sports, dance, and musical performances. Debbie and Bobby were happiest at the beach and took many trips with their children, often inviting their children's friends to join. This created special relationships and memories with their friends as well. The beach trip tradition later continued with their grandchildren where wonderful memories were made. Debbie was able to take one last trip to the beach in September with her family.
Debbie is survived by her daughters, Karen Hunt Burgin and husband Benjamin, Bethany Hunt Slack and husband Andrew; son Brian Daniel Hunt; grandchildren Ryland Burgin, Dalton Burgin, Kailyn Burgin, Austyn Slack, Luke Slack, James Slack, Patrick Slack and many special cousins, nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 2:00pm at Yates Baptist Church in Durham. Burial will follow the service at Markham Memorial Gardens. The family will receive visitors on Thursday, January 1, 2026, from 5:00-7:00pm at Clements Funeral Home in Durham.
The family is being assisted by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. in Durham.