Deborah Ann Rimmer Anderson

Debbie Anderson, age 72, was healed on April 26, 2026, as she entered her heavenly home with God. Debbie was surrounded by her loving family. She is no longer in pain and dancing in the streets of Heaven alongside those that are so special to her and that she missed dearly. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and grace for all to follow. There will never be anyone like Debbie.

Born July 10, 1953 in St. Louis, Missouri, Debbie was a spunky one! Born to the late Margaret Brock and Howard Rimmer, Debbie spent her childhood visiting between Missouri and North Carolina. She could always vividly remember the smell of the Anheuser-Busch Brewery from her backyard. As a teenager she enjoyed spending time with friends, dancing, and spending nights at the skating rink at the old Daniel Boone Village. She told many stories about this to her family.

After graduating from Orange High School in Hillsborough, Debbie worked at the local veterinarian's office and the hospital in Chapel Hill. Then she met the love of her life, Mickey Anderson, and history made itself from there. Debbie moved to Durham, where she would embark on a 35-year journey as a wife and a mother. She continued to work for the state of NC and retired from UNC Chapel Hill as an administrative assistant in 2007 with 30 years of service.

However, just because she was retired did not mean that Debbie was done. She spent approximately one month at home and said, "I have to go back". Debbie was a do-er. She was always busy and she always wanted to help others. She continued working for approximately 10 more years until she achieved her second retirement from Merck in Durham, also as an administrative assistant. Nothing ever got done without Debbie. She was at every event, every celebration, and the backbone of every function that happened. She baked every cookie for every fundraiser (she was an AMAZING baker) and even headed up the Strides Against Breast Cancer event each year for her fellow employees. She did this for her, but also in honor of those that she lost to cancer in her life.

Debbie's life was not easy. She fought many health battles and struggles, many of which we never saw. She selflessly took that burden and decided to still love with all her heart, despite any personal struggles she may have had. We could not have asked for more. She never gave up. She always saw the good in people and did everything she could to make everyone's day better. She went above and beyond for everyone. Some of her best memories were celebrating her daughter's 30th birthday with them despite having COVID, going to her daughter's sporting events (she was at EVERY SINGLE ONE no matter what), going to the Grand Canyon, Hawaii, decorating her house for Christmas, and spending time at the beach each year.

Debbie was a crafter at heart. Some of her favorite projects included her homemade blankets, tissue boxes, cross-stitches, quilts, and canvas paintings. She was a perfectionist because she wanted them to be perfect-now perfect for us to hold onto as precious memories. Recently, she enjoyed coloring on her I-pad (her favorite thing ever!) and sending her daughters daily pictures and encouragement.

One of Debbie's other earthly passions was rooting for her Carolina Tarheels (men's basketball). Man, did she LOVE her Tarheels. Those were "her boys". Her kitchen was decorated with permanent Tarheel feet and Franklin Street was a place of peace and light blue heaven. We just know that the streets of heaven she is walking now are that same shade of Carolina blue. She would watch every game (and yes we mean every single one), have every poster, and cheer louder than anyone. Debbie was finally able to achieve her "dream of a lifetime", granted through Senior Wishes, in February 2026, attending a UNC vs. Duke basketball game at the Dean Dome in Chapel Hill, with her daughters. It is a memory that will never be erased.

Debbie was funny and made every moment precious for those around her. Her wit and humor would brighten any room. Her wisdom would bring comfort. As she aged she found comfort in continuing to do for others. The lights of her life, her daughters, Amber and Ashley, were her reason for living. She would tell everyone about the things that they would do together. Many people knew their names before they even met them. She was proud of each and every moment together, no matter how big or small. Graduations, Amber's wedding, and other milestone markers were spectacular, but the bond was solidified in the smaller moments just as much. The moments when they would watch tv together ("Survivor" every Wednesday or "Big Brother" every Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday), do crafts on a random Sunday together, or go shopping at Hamrick's just for fun (most often buying for others, not even herself). Debbie was always at every event, supporting their passions as well. She attended every Special Olympics event that they ran and coached for over 18 years, cheered on the athletes as if they were her own children, and loved them fiercely. Her compassion for others is the best part of her that is now (and always has been) instilled in her daughters. Debbie will always be proud of her daughters and, although the void of losing Debbie can never be filled, the memories of knowing what an amazing person, wife, and mother she was, brings comfort.

In her final year Debbie and Mickey were able to move to Gastonia, NC to live close to her daughters. Debbie loved her new home and being close to "her girls". They were the 3 stooges, and this will never be erased. Debbie enjoyed simple things in her time after turning 70, such as making "meals with mom" each week with her girls, sharing her recipes, trying to teach her daughters how to sew, riding to get lunch with her husband, and playing bingo at the recreation center. Debbie's final resting place with be in Gaston County so that her family can continue to visit her and honor her each and every day in the same way that she lived her beautiful life.

Debbie is preceded in death by her parents, Margaret Brock and Howard Rimmer, and stepmom Evelyn Rimmer. She is survived by her husband, Mickey Anderson, and her daughters, Ashley Anderson and Amber Radford (Justin). She also had a love for animals and her pets. She is also preceded in death by her "baby" Tinkerbell (rabbit) who we know she is holding tight next to God, Sparky, and many other late pets. She is survived by her dog "good girl" Coco, and two grand-dogs, Monroe and Pugsley, who she enjoyed playing tug of war with, having sleepovers with, and being her babies as well.

The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Caromont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia who helped provide care for Debbie during her final time on Earth. The grace and compassion show were unmatched, and the family is grateful for this.

There will be a Gathering of Family and Friends, Friday, May 1, 2026, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service, 1503 S, York Road, Gastonia, NC. A private graveside service will be held Saturday, at 2:00 PM. We ask that you wear Carolina Blue in her honor (Duke blue was never pretty anyways).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 805 S. York St. Gastonia, NC, from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm, with Debbie's favorite crafts, snacks and activities to share memories.

In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to two very worthy causes that Debbie cared deeply for and would want continued support for.

1. Special Olympics Gaston County, attn. Ashley Anderson, 61 Central Ave. Gastonia, NC 28054

2. Conquer Chiari, 320 Osprey Court, Wexford, PA 15090

As Debbie would say "Love you, bye" but we know this is not "goodbye" but rather simply "See you later".

The South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service is honored to serve the Anderson family. Condolences may be shared online at: www.greenefuneral.com.