Gwenda "Debbie" Spurling

February 23, 1937 – September 1, 2025

Gwenda “Debbie” Spurling was born February 23, 1937 in Viola, Arkansas. She peacefully entered into the presence of the Lord, in her home surrounded by her family on September 1, 2025.

Debbie was a faithful servant of Christ, a loving wife, a devoted mother, and grandmother.

She cherished her family, and they were the core of her life. She found joy in every moment spent surrounded by those she loved. With a heart big enough to hold everyone, including all of the wonderful friends she made, she made sure each person that cross her path felt valued, celebrated and deeply loved.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Dan Spurling. Dan and Debbie were married in 1952 and started their family right away. Together they had 2 sons, Dan (Diane) and David (Dawn). They had 2 Grandchildren Dare (Adam) and Daniel (Emily), 5 Great Grandchildren (Ty, Tayler, Jack, Stella and Swayze) and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren (Georgia and Birdie). She was also proceed in death by her nine siblings, as well as her parents.

In addition to being dedicated to her family she had an unwavering faith in God. She found joy in prayer and strength thru scripture. She loved her church, her Sunday School Class, and she loved leading her Grandmother’s at Prayer group. She faithfully served as a volunteer and/or teacher each year during Vacation Bible School.

She worked for many years as an accountant/auditor for the North Carolina National Guard.

After retiring from the North Carolina National Guard, she worked for the North Carolina Special Olympics before retiring for the final time to watch her 1st Great Grandchild during the day.

Debbie was full of life and adventure. During her husband’s military career, they lived in Ft Benning, GA, England, and Alaska before retiring and settling down in Cary, NC. She was an avid traveler, and loved exploring the world. One of her most memorable trips was to The Holy Land, which she described as the most impactful trip she had ever taken.

Along with her love of travel, she found joy on the golf course, and was a member of the RGA Ladies Golf League for 20 years. She loved meeting her golf ladies on every Thursday, and playing in various tournaments as well as travel with them outside the golf course.

Debbie enjoyed being in the stands at NC State Football and Basketball games, cheering on her Wolfpack.

Debbie also served over 20 years on the Raleigh Women’s Bowling Association and played in over 25 Championship Tournaments for the Woman’s International Bowling Congress. Debbie and Dan also enjoyed playing in a league together for many years.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation for those that helped care for her during the last few months, with a special thank you to Maggie who helped care for both Debbie and Dan. We would also like to express our thanks to Transitions Life Care as well as her wonderful friends and neighbors in Troon who stopped in often to check in on her, bring her flowers and meals. Each of you have our most sincere thanks and admiration.

The family will welcome friends for a time of visitation from 10:00 am – 11:45 am on September 9th 2025 at First Baptist Church of Cary, 218 S Academy St, Cary NC. Immediately following will be a Celebration of Life at noon and then a grave-side service to follow at 2pm at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S Wilmington Street Raleigh, NC.

The family request in lieu of flowers that donations be made to First Baptist Church of Cary in remembrance of Debbie Spurling.

Debbie’s favorite verse was John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”

She would want you to know, Jesus loves you, and he has prepared a place for you also, you just need to trust and believe in him.

Gwenda Vest Spurling, age 88, of Cary, North Carolina passed away on Monday, September 1, 2025.

A visitation for Gwenda will be held Tuesday, September 9, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM at First Baptist Church, Cary, 218 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, September 9, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM, 218 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511. A committal will occur Tuesday, September 9, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Montlawn Memorial Park, Funeral Home & Cremations, 2911 S Wilmington St, Raleigh, NC 27603.