Deborah Griffin Perry

   Deborah Griffin “Debbie” Perry, 56, of 902 Stratford Road, Edenton, NC, passed away Thursday, April 12, 2018, in her home where she was surrounded by her family.      Born in Chowan County on July 15, 1961, she was the daughter of Ray and Jackie Courtney Griffin of Edenton. A nurse for almost 40 years, she began her career as a candy striper in high school, and also worked at both Winn Dixie and Max to pay her way through college. As a nurse she worked in the skilled nursing unit where the hospital once stood and later was employed for over 20 years at a local nursing and rehabilitation center. During this time she began working for the Relay for Life Chapter, where she chaired and organized events to raise money for that cause. Later she worked at the outpatient clinic at Vidant Chowan Hospital, a job her family and friends felt was made just for her, with her upbeat, never complain attitude. She loved meeting new people and cared for and about each of them just as much as she could.      During her first two bouts with cancer she continued to nurse, working chemotherapy on Wednesday, only to be a patient herself on Thursday. Even during her third reoccurrence, and working until she lost the use of her right arm, the pain she experienced was not as hard for her as the hurt from not seeing her patients. For therapy, (thank you Ginger), she began making stocking caps. With only one hand she made nearly 100 caps. The family likes to think that with this experience God has her making Angel’s Wings for the little children in heaven.    Debbie’s byline through this long ordeal has been, “this too shall pass”. And now it has.      In addition to her parents, surviving are her husband of nearly 12 years, David B. Perry; two sons, Bryan C. Belch and Nicholas R. Belch, both of Edenton; a daughter, Courtney “Ali” Belch of Raleigh (Meredith College graduate May 12, 2018); and the greatest grandson a “Mimi” could ask for, Damien C. Belch. Also surviving are her brother, Robert R. Griffin, Jr. and wife Doris of Edenton; and nieces, nephews, and extended family members.      Funeral services will be held Sunday at 5:00 p.m. in the chapel of Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, and will be conducted by, The Rev. David Brooks, her pastor from Edenton Baptist Church. A private burial will be in Beaver Hill Cemetery. Friends may join the family in the funeral home the hour prior to the services on Sunday, and all other times at the home of her parents, 213 Hawthorne Road, Edenton.      The family would like to express their heartfelt love and appreciation for all that has been done for Debbie and the family during these past six years. Please know that your support has been more than overwhelming and is so much appreciated.      In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice.      Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.