Deborah Routh Thompson

Deborah Routh Thompson, of Carolina Beach, NC, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2009 after a long struggle with cancer. She died peacefully at Hospice. She was born July, 28, 1951 in Randolph County, NC where she grew up among the beautiful foothills. Her mother, Elizabeth Vickers Routh preceeded her in death, and her father, John Milton Routh resides in Randolph County. Deborah will be remembered by those who knew her as a hard working, strong woman who loved her family and was a firm believer that families are connected by heart –strings, not just blood, and her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were blessed with her love and wisdom. She is survived by sisters Virginia Welborn of Carolina Beach, NC; Diane Tyson of Charlotte, NC; as well as 3 sisters, and 1 brother in Randolph County. Daughters, Amy Routh of Carolina Beach, Christy Kennedy, of Wilmington, Monique Thompson-Hroncich and husband Adam Hroncich, of Wilmington, and Lori Hitchcock and husband Tom Hitchcock of Wilmington. Grandchildren, Tyler Davis, Haven Lewis, Kingston Hroncich, Brooke Lewis, Nicole Hitchcock, McKenzie Hitchcock, & Logan Hitchcock Great grandchildren, Bryce Lewis, and Lyra Hitchcock. She was employed by New Hanover Co schools as a school bus driver, and worked many years serving the community at local restaurants in Carolina Beach. She was an active officer in the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Deborah was an avid bingo player, and a skilled cook whose signature dishes will be fondly shared and passed down for many generations. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she could often be seen taking them on trips to Wal-Mart, or out for after school treats. She loved playing bingo and after she was stricken with cancer last year, could be heard saying that she would rather play bingo than eat. She will be missed by her special bingo buddy, Betty Decker, who was the greatest friend on earth. Deborah and her family were very grateful for the care and treatment she received on the 2nd floor at NHRMC, as well as at the Zimmer Center and for the loving care of her Hospice home health care team, and the gentle guidance by the staff of the Hospice Life Care Center. Her family could not have made this journey without them. Visitation will be at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel on Tuesday, June, 16, 2009 from 6-8pm. There will be a celebration of her life memorial service at 11:00 am Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at the American Legion on Bridge Barrier Rd in Carolina Beach. The family requests that all who knew her come and celebrate and remember with them.