Deborah Nan Thomas (Funderburk) of Newport News VA, went to be with her Lord, Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, at her residence after a hard-fought battle with cancer, never losing spirit or faith.
Debbie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother (guya), daughter, sister, and friend to many.
Born in the Bronx, NY to Cecil and Juanita Funderburk, she attended Mt. Vernon High School followed by Mt. Vernon School of Nursing.
Upon marrying Percy Thomas, they came to settle in Newport News, VA where they raised their two children and she spent her 38-year career caring for others as a Registered Nurse at Riverside Hospital. Throughout this time, she advanced her nursing skills with further studies at TNCC in Hampton, VA earning countless professionally recognized accolades and accomplishments over her career.
In her free time, Debbie started the small business “Not Your Average Baskets & More” with her daughter, showcasing her love for arts and crafts; while also founding and operating the family-owned business “Audio Frequency” with her husband that recently celebrated 25 years of service to the community.
As busy as she always was, spending time with family was always on top of her to-do list. Debbie and Percy attended Colossian Baptist Church in Newport News, VA as well as Rising Sun Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe, VA.
Debbie is survived by her devoted husband of 43 years, Percy; her son, Garnell (Dina) Thomas, Williamsburg VA; her daughter, Takisha Thomas, Yorktown VA; and five beautiful grandchildren, Deshawn, Denajiah, Eleighsha, Mikaiah, and Nathan, Jr.
She is also survived by her loving mother, Juanita Funderburk, Newport News, VA; her sister, Laverne (John) Perry, Palm Bay, FL.; her uncle, Wallis (Rita) Funderburk, Charlotte, NC. Also, in her heart were many nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.
She was preceded in passing by her father Cecil Funderburk, Staten Island, NY; uncle, Simon Funderburk, Bronx, NY; and her brother, Cecil Funderburk Jr.
A viewing/celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, Dec 16 (Viewing 4-6 p.m./ Celebration of life 6-8 p.m.) in Whiting’s Funeral Home, Williamsburg, VA.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec 18 in Rising Sun Missionary Baptist Church; 230 Rising Sun Circle, Monroe, VA 24574.
Please leave online condolences for the family at Whiting’s Funeral Home.
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