Deborah Ann (Murchison) Lee

Mrs. Deborah Ann (Murchison) Lee, age 72 of Cameron, NC transitioned to eternal rest on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Central Harnett Hospital in Lillington, NC.

Memorial Reflections

"For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 KJV).

Deborah Murchison Lee was born on August 16, 1953, in Sanford, NC.  She was the third of six children born to the late Donnell and Marzella Murchison.  On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Lord wrapped her in His loving arms and carried her away from the Cape Fear Central Harnett Hospital, Lillington, NC. 

Success and education were very important to Deborah and her family.  She graduated from Greenwood High School, Lemon Springs, NC.  She immediately enlisted into the United States (U.S.) Army.  Her tour of duty took her to various military posts throughout the world, including Germany and Korea. While in service she became a leader and mentor to others and was a great influence convincing others to join the military. She retired as E-5, Sargeant.  After her tour for the U.S. Army, she worked for the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, Washington, DC.  Upon resigning from the federal job, she worked for RLM Communications, Spring Lake, NC.  Deborah was 6 weeks away from receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration before her demise.

She met and married her husband, Marvin Lee on March 6, 2015.

Deborah’s spiritual journey began at St. Peter’s Church of God in Christ Without Blemish, Lemon Springs, NC, the late Bishop William Berryman, Pastor.  She was nurtured, taught and guided in her spiritual walk by her mom, Mother Marzella Murchison where she was saved, sanctified, and filled with the Holy Ghost.  She later became a faithful and devoted member of New Beginning Ministry of Worship, Fayetteville, NC, shepherded by Apostle Sherlene Ethridge, obtaining wisdom in leading a holy life and setting an example of righteous living.  She was also a gifted and anointed preacher, teacher, prayer warrior, and prophet committed to living a devoted life for God.  She was faithful, loyal, and reliable in her church serving as Elder, Trustee, Church Administrator, on the Praise and Worship Team, President of the Outreach Auxiliary, a choir and usher board member, and a member of the kitchen staff. Whatever she found to do, she did with all her might. Her effects in the church were not limited to New Beginning Ministry of Worship but throughout other churches in North Carolina, where she preached, prophesied, and prayed for those in need of prayer. 

Deborah was a very empathetic and caring person. She responded to other people’s needs as if they were her own.  Her heart went out to people, especially those in need. Professionally, after retiring from the federal government, she worked as the Director, Cumberland County Volunteer Services, Fayetteville, NC.  That led her to become the President of Cumberland County Mental Health Auxiliary, Fayetteville, NC for more twenty years, dedicated to serving the mental health community.   This was the only assistance program in Fayetteville, NC designed to support the mental health community. She was never too good or too busy for any task, including planning fundraisers and giving services, even going to the fields to cut collard greens that were donated to help feed the mental health clients.

Deborah had five sister friends that stood by her before her illness until her passing.  Some were her friends for over 50 years.  They were Ms. Yvonne “Breeze” Alderman, Atlanta, GA; Ms. Linda Thomas, Knightdale, NC; Ms. Millicent “Pinky” Williams, Coats, NC; and Ms. Demeta Murphy, Cameron, NC.

She is survived by her husband, Marvin Lee, and two children, Tawian (Katresa) and Lynette McMillan; three stepchildren, Crystal Williams; Jessica Ellison Puckett; and Drome Jenkins;  four sisters, Elder Dottie White (Malcolm); Mother Vernell Groce (Ellsworth); Apostle Sherlene Ethridge (William); and Deaconess Linda Butler (Edward); 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and multiple aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

"We do not own copyrights to the background music."

Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home - Sanford, NC