The family of Deborah "Debbie" Hopkins Taylor, 71, of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, is deeply saddened to announce her sudden and unexpected passing on August 27, 2026. Debbie passed away while visiting her sister in Florida.

She was a devoted wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt whose family was the center of her world.

Debbie grew up in Moore County, North Carolina, and was a proud graduate of Pinecrest High School in Southern Pines. A lifelong learner, she returned to college in her late 30s while working full-time, first earning her associate's degree from Sandhills Community College, and continuing on to graduate with her bachelor's degree in business management from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Throughout her life, her warmth, kindness, and dedication left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She was a loving, devoted, and faithful friend to many.

Professionally, Debbie dedicated 25 years to the Research Triangle Regional Partnership in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she served as the Senior Vice President of Client Services. Through her vital role in economic development, she traveled throughout the world to promote the region and drive community growth. Her commitment to helping communities grow and prosper continued through her work in economic development for Harnett County, North Carolina. She leaves behind a lasting professional legacy built on relationships, service, and genuine care for the people she served.

Beyond the time she cherished with her family, Debbie found great joy in her home, her pets, Abby her beloved dog and her kitty Buckwheat, and her many creative passions, and seeing the world. She loved to travel and go RV camping with her children and grandchildren, creating countless treasured memories on the road. She also loved working in her yard, tending to her beautiful flowers, and gardening. An avid crafter, she expressed her creativity through painting and crocheting, and she took immense pride in creating a warm, beautiful home for those she loved.

In keeping with her generous spirit, Debbie was a proud organ donor, sharing the gift of life with others.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband, Anthony "Tony" Taylor; her son, Christopher Lilly and his wife, Breese; her daughter, Jennifer Taylor and her husband, Orlin; and her cherished grandchildren, Kristin (Patrick) Duncan, Skylar (Colton) DeLancy, and Grayson Taylor and Easton Taylor.

She is also survived by her sister, Sandy Ruggiero and her husband, Nick; and her brother, Larry Hopkins and his wife, Cissy, as well as her loving nieces, Karen Lee, Kristy Hopkins, and Stephanie Dill, her nephew, Scott McDonald, and many extended family members.

She is also survived by her step-siblings, Mike Adams, Jay Adams, and Molita Kidd, and their families.

Her stepchildren are Ricky Williams and his wife, Julia, and Danny Taylor and his wife, Rhonda; and her step-grandchildren, Haley, Cameron, McKenzie, Justin, and Ryan, and step-great-grandchildren.

Debbie was preceded in death by her biological father, Donald G. Hopkins; her mother, Judith Adams; her stepfather, William Ray Adams; her brother, Warren Hopkins; and her sister, Linda Hopkins.

She will be remembered for the way she loved her family, cared for her friends, and made people around her feel genuinely valued.

Initial arrangements are being handled by Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society in Port Orange, Florida. Due to the out-of-state circumstances, local care has been entrusted to Cox Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory at 4888 US Highway 1, Vass, North Carolina, 28394. Memorial services will be held there on Sunday, September 20th at 2:00 p.m.