Deborah Ann (Pearson) Ellison

Ms. Deborah Ann Ellison, age 73, of Sanford, NC, entered eternal rest on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, at her residence.

The Obituary

In Loving Memory of Mrs. Deborah Ann Pearson Ellison
June 9, 1952 – June 26, 2025

With hearts full of love we celebrate the beautiful life of Mrs. Deborah Ann Pearson Ellison, age 73, of Sanford, NC. On Thursday, June 26, 2025, surrounded by her family in the comfort of her home, Deborah peacefully transitioned into eternal rest.

Born on June 9, 1952, in Broadway, NC, Deborah was the beloved daughter of the late Harold and Gladys Pearson. She attended the Lee County School System and went on to earn her Adult High School Diploma from Central Carolina Community College.

Affectionately known as “Ms. Dee” by her coworkers and friends, Deborah brought kindness and warmth in her years of service in manufacturing and home healthcare. Her presence was quietly powerful, always comforting, and deeply cherished.

Deborah was welcomed into eternal rest by her parents, Harold and Gladys Pearson; her devoted husband, Alford Ellison; her sister, Joyce Thomason; her great-grandson, Nehemiah Ellison; and her son-in-law, Jim McCrathy.

Her love lives on through her children: Linda Ellison (Timothy) of Sanford, NC, Alford Ellison (Michelle) of Sanford, NC, and Bridget Ellison of Winston-Salem, NC
 

Deborah’s legacy continues through her eleven treasured grandchildren: Marcus Ellison (Ja’Mielle) of Conroe, TX, Tony Rives (Daviyah) of Sanford, NC, Debra Rives (Jordan) of Pittsboro, NC, AJ Ellison of Raleigh, NC, Elton Ellison, Mia Knight, Bridgett Ellison, and Destiny Ellison of Sanford, NC; Zuri Gonzalez (Aurelio), Aniya Ellison, and Makayla Ellison from Winston-Salem, NC. Each carrying her strength, grace, and spirit forward. Through their children, she was blessed with 15 beautiful great-grandchildren, each one a reflection of her enduring love and legacy.

She is also survived by her brother, Lee Harold Pearson (Brenda) of Sanford, NC; two uncles, Rufus Yarborough of Sanford, NC and Charles Bryant of Florida; one aunt, Fannie Headen of Sanford, NC; one brother-in-law, Willie Hightower of Charlotte, NC and her lifelong loving friend, Kenneth Cox, who loved and cherished her deeply.

Mrs. Deborah Ann Pearson Ellison was a woman of quiet dignity, unwavering love, and steadfast faith. Her memory will be a comfort in times of sorrow, a smile in moments of reflection, and a guiding light for generations to come. We will carry her in our hearts—always and forever.

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Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC