Debra Marie Kerpsie

Debbie Kerpsie, loving wife of John Kerpsie, mother of three, and grandmother of six passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Debbie was born on September 29, 1946, in Akron, Ohio to the late James and Jane (Smith) Rarick. She was a sister to her three younger siblings, John, Steve, and Colleen, who also preceded her in death. Her survivors include Debbie's caring husband, John; daughters Amanda (Andres) of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Jessica (Kristian) of Brisbane, Australia, and son Matthew (Magalie) of Gastonia. Her grandchildren Dallas, Silvana, Lucas, Camila, Madleysha, and Maraliah will always remember "GiGi" for her love and playful personality. She will also be missed by cousins, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and other loved ones.

Following graduation from East High School and The University of Akron, she resided in Lansing, Michigan where all her children were born and later relocated to Gastonia, North Carolina in 1984. She worked as a sales secretary and then a pre-K teacher at Saint Michael Catholic School for 23 years. Debbie was known for her laughter, warm spirit, and attentive interactions with others including her beloved pets. She enjoyed holidays with family, traveling, cooking, gardening, shopping, sewing, making crafts, reading, and watching TV. As her health declined, she still reveled in stories about the things that gave her immense joy even if she could not participate directly.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation at Greene Funeral Service South Chapel, 1503 S. York Rd, Gastonia, on Sunday, March 29, 2026, 6:00 - 8:00 pm. A funeral Mass at Saint Michael Catholic Church, 708 St. Michael's Lane, Gastonia where she was a parishioner will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 10:30 am. A private burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Belmont.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Debbie's honor can be made to Saint Michael Catholic School Endowment Fund (www.stmcsg.org/giving) or a children's education or wellness charity of your choice. Condolences may be shared online (www.greenefuneral.com).