Debra Woods

A devoted wife to husband Bobby Woods, a loyal sister to her six other siblings, and a favorite aunt of her many nieces and nephews, Debra's nurturing and kind spirit was cherished by friends, family, and the many beloved pets she cared for throughout her life.

Debra dedicated over 40 years to a distinguished career in federal service and left an indelible mark through her vast expertise and incredible work ethic. Beyond her profession, she was deeply passionate about finding and capturing the beauty of the world all around us. She was an artist at heart—an avid photographer who found joy in stopping to smell the roses, and then capturing them with a perfect shot. Lighthouses, in particular, held a special place in her heart, and she spent years traveling the East Coast and documenting their beauty.

Debra’s greatest gift was her ability to be fully present in each moment—whether listening to birds from her screened porch, watching the sunrise over Rodanthe’s shores, or digging in the earth to nurture her garden. She saw life’s fleeting beauty through her lens, understanding that, much like light, it could vanish in an instant.

She and Bobby shared a love of travel, making treasured memories with frequent trips to Hawaii, Maine, and the Outer Banks, finding their greatest peace on the water (with a few fishing poles along for the ride).

One of Debra’s simple joys was painting rocks—an expression of creativity and kindness. In her honor, all who wish to celebrate her life are invited to paint a rock and leave it for others to discover.

In lieu of flowers or funeral services, please consider a donation in Debra's name to Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, a place she loved to visit and photograph.

https://my.lewisginter.org/donate/i/give?_gl=1*p17e98*_gcl_au*MTk4OTM1MzUyLjE3NTAyOTM4NTQ.*_ga*MTg2MzM1ODg2Ny4xNzUwMjkzODU0*_ga_X7NNYQKYCW*czE3NTAyOTM4NTQkbzEkZzEkdDE3NTAyOTM4NzckajM3JGwwJGgw