Julia Mary DeBari

Julia "Julie" Farkas DeBari, age 85, of Asheboro, passed away February 8, 2026,

surrounded by family at her home after battling colon cancer since November 2025.

Julie was born May 20, 1940, in Manhattan, New York, to the late Stephen Farkas and

Anna Pohl Farkas. She graduated from Port Jefferson High School where she excelled

in her studies and graduated at the top of her class. Though her brilliance spanned

wide, it was her gift for writing that prompted her to pursue a career as the

administrative assistant to the publisher of Esquire Magazine in New York City.

After marrying the love of her life, Ralph DeBari, they moved to the Catskills where she

worked alongside her husband to help with his business, Ralph DeBari and Sons. Later, she

pursued her long-time dream of opening her own jewelry store, naming it Julie's Place.

In 1978, they made the decision to move their family of 6 south to Asheboro, North

Carolina, where together, they started their next chapter in life. After a few short initial

jobs, Julie found her place at the Courier Tribune where her talents were utilized in

business advertising. In 1996, she retired from the Courier Tribune and shifted her focus

to helping with the family business, DeBari Pool & Spa.

While the accolades of her career are worth mentioning, it was her family and her faith

that Julie was most proud of. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-

grandmother who cherished time with her family and those she held dear. Her love for

God was her compass in life. She attended church at C4 of Asheboro until she was no

longer able. As a devout woman of faith, she was a prayer warrior for many, even in her

final days, calling each by name, and claiming victory over their battles, despite her

own. She made it a priority to spend time in the word and talk with God each and every

morning.

In addition to her undying faith, she had an affinity for nature and animals that was

evident in the joy she found feeding the birds and tending to the flowers in her garden.

She also enjoyed the solace and inspiration she found in music, noting Neil Diamond,

Elvis, and Billy Joel amongst her list of favorites. The joy she brought to life, even

amidst hardships, was always noted by those around her, and her warmth and kindness

left an indelible mark on everyone she met. Julie's legacy will live on in the hearts of

those who had the privilege of knowing her, and her spirit will forever be a beacon for

her family.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Stephen and Anna, her beloved husband of 59

years, Ralph Joseph DeBari, sister Anna Albert, brother Stephen Farkas, Jr, grandson

Marshall Ross DeBari, and infant great-granddaughter Brooklyn DeBari.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, William "Bill" DeBari and wife Vickie and

Stephen Ralph DeBari; daughters, Anna DeBari Thomas and husband Bryan and Julia

DeBari Brady and husband Keith; grandchildren, Ryan DeBari (Kendra), Eric DeBari,

Jonathon Thomas, Kari Thomas Faulkner (Ryan), Joseph DeBari, Kayden DeBari

Walker (Adam), Madeline Lyman, Sophia Lyman, Amy Evey (Joel), and Julie Schlein (Marlin);

fourteen beloved great grandchildren; three grand doggies that she spoiled; and numerous

other beloved family and friends.

A celebration of life will be held 5:00 PM on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Midstate

Cremation and Funeral Service, 304 Lanier Avenue, Asheboro, NC 27203. The family

will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Randolph Hospice House for them

dedicated and compassionate care. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph

by clicking the link below to assist families in need of hospice care.