CHARLOTTE -- Debra Louise Vehorn, a radiant soul who brought joy and laughter to all who knew her, went home to be with the Lord, August 30, 2023.

Born March 4, 1961, in Lexington Park, Maryland. Debbie was a gift to everyone who knew her. She had a love for life and the ability to light up the room with her infectious joy. She was the first to hit the dance floor, and the one who could always be counted on for a witty remark that would leave everyone in stitches. Her laughter was a melody that echoed in the hearts of those who shared in her joy.

Debbie was kind, caring, resilient, and determined. Debbie was Fun! She had a mischievous sense of humor and love for fellowship. She attended the UMAR Arts Program where she was able to share her creative talents thru a variety of means from knitting, painting, crocheting, sewing, and turning her latch hook masterpieces into pillows. Debbie had a lot of friends at UMAR, five of whom she lived with at the Holt home. Together they enjoyed going out to eat, watching movies, taking annual trips to the mountains and the beach.

One of Debbie's greatest joys was spending time with Sara Emser who she affectionally referred to as her twin. Debbie could always be found with a word search in hand and a box of crayons close by. She enjoyed the simple things in life, like playing cards, Diet Cokes, petting all the dogs, all things chocolate, Johnny Cash, and singing along to classic country music even if she didn't get the lyrics exactly right! Debbie will be forever missed by those who had the honor of knowing her and the pleasure of working with her. 

Debbie is preceded in death by her mother, Louise Harris Vehorn.

Surviving is her father, Dale Allen Vehorn and wife, Marie Vehorn.

A special thanks to the UMAR staff and physicians involved in her care over the last 20 years: Dr. Michael Friedland "Mike", Dr. John Fedor, Dr. John Barkenbus, Dr. Robert Yavorski, and Dr. John Bourgeois. We would also like to thank the staff at Atrium Main-Neuro Progressive ICU for the care she received in her final days.

The family held a private graveside service Wednesday, September 6, 2023 in Polk Memorial Gardens in Columbus, NC.

A celebration of Debbie's life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 10, 2023, at First Baptist Church of Stanfield in Stanfield, NC followed by an ice cream social because as Debbie would say it " No celebration is complete without ice cream".