Deborah Gail Lightsey Ledford, 70, of Bessemer City, North Carolina, passed away on October 11, 2024 at Caromont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia.

Born in Macon County, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Noel and Glenda Knight Lightsey. Debby was a believer: a believer in God and a believer in people. She loved people in tangible ways, she was an encourager, a helper with the heart of a servant. She fiercely believed in her marriage and husband, Jimmy with whom she built a life. She loved her boys, Nick and Mike and always did her very best to make their lives a little brighter, a little better. Some people are givers and that was our Debby. Always giving, never ceasing to consider another. It was her empathy and kindness that propelled her, drove her. She loved to laugh and take road trips with her girlfriends, whom she fondly referred to as "The Rat Pack". Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, and spoiling her grandkids every chance she got. We will forever be grateful for the memories and lessons she gave us throughout her life, which we will cherish deep in our hearts. Out of all the different jobs she held during her lifetime, working as a sitter for patients gave her the biggest joy. She loved the ability to encourage and comfort those who were in a dark space and felt alone. She gave them a smile and offered understanding without judgment.

SURVIVORS: Husband of 52 years, James Ledford
Sons: Mike Ledford and wife, Penny, of Cherryville, North Carolina; Nick Ledford and wife, Erin, of Bethel, North Carolina
Siblings: Ray Lightsey and wife, Robin, of Kings Mountain, North Carolina; Joel Lightsey of St. Palmer, Massachusetts; Jimmy Lightsey of Concord, North Carolina; and Cathy Payne of Kings Mountain, North Carolina
Grandchildren: Aidan Ledford and Madison Ledford
Debby is also survived by multiple nieces and nephews and her beloved cat Oreo.

The family will announce service plans at a later date.

MEMORIALS: Donations in Debby's memory may be made to the Animal League of Gaston County at 425 W. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28052 or online at www.gastonspayneuter.com. Donations may also be made to Catherine's House at 141 Mercy Dr., Belmont, NC 28012 or online at www.catherineshouseinc.org.

GUEST REGISTER AVAILABLE AT WWW.HARRISFUNERALS.COM