Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Deborah Lynn Paynter
Deborah Lynn Paynter
Obituary
Guest Book
Deborah Paynter Obituary
The service has been updated due to an illness in the family.
Benson: Deborah Lynn Paynter, born on May 18, 1960, in Virginia, passed away on July 20, 2025, at UNC Smithfield, surrounded by her loved ones. Deborah's life was a tapestry of warmth, creativity, and dedication, woven through her roles as a skilled welder and an avid painter. She embraced every chance to express herself artistically, reflecting her vibrant spirit and passion for life.
Funeral services will be held in her honor on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson. Friends and family are invited to gather in the chapel to celebrate the life and memories of Deborah. Her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her. Pastor Eddie White will be officiating the service.
Deborah found immense joy in her family, who were always her highest priority. She is survived by her son, Michael Paynter and his wife, Judith; her daughter, Jessica Strickland and her husband, Danny; and her cherished grandchildren: Austin Paynter, Rachel Strickland, Kristian Paynter, Daniel Strickland, Danielle Paynter, Justin Paynter, Nichole Smith, Gabrielle Strickland, Matthew Strickland, and Hannah Strickland. Additionally, she took great pride in her great-grandchildren, Atreus Paynter and Christian Paynter.
Deborah also leaves behind her brother, Jerry Bentley, and her beloved mother, Virginia Hiles. She was preceded in death by her father, Calvin Bentley, as well as her brothers, Tim Bentley and Shannon Bentley, and her sister, Janet Paynter. Each of them played a unique role in her life, contributing to the loving legacy she leaves behind.
Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home, Benson.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
301 W. Main Street, Benson, NC 27504
People and places connected with Deborah
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Paynter
Tell your own story about Deborah
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Deborah Paynter's name
How to support Deborah's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Deborah Paynter's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
