Mrs. Deborah “Debbie” Lee Bedinger, 71, of Lillington passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Rex Hospital in Raleigh. The moment that Debbie passed,  she bounded joyfully into the arms of Jesus just as she knew she would.  The hope of her salvation is complete. 

Debbie was born in Tacoma, WA, the daughter of the late Louis and Janice Bush.

Debbie graduated from Wilson High School in Tacoma. She worked at Tucci and Sons in Tacoma for 33 years. After she retired, she attended Tacoma Community College and graduated with an associate degree in applied sciences, paraeducator, Early Childhood Emphasis, which was one of her proudest moments. Debbie worked as para educator in the Tacoma School District at Birney Elementary School for five years. She was an active member of Northwest Foursquare Church in Federal Way, WA, where she taught elementary age Sunday school for about 25 years. She also attended Discovery Church, Tacoma, for about three years. Debbie worked as a volunteer for the American Red Cross for five years as well as a volunteer for the Tacoma WA Police Department.  After moving to Lillington, NC in February 2024, she attended Crossroads Church in Lillington and taught Sunday school. Debbie volunteered with Crisis Dogs of N.C. as a foster, administrator and rescuer.

Debbie was a woman of deep faith, she believed in service to others. She was a devoted animal rescuer, a committed volunteer serving the needy and loved mission work. She was the catalyst to start the Spring Hill neighborhood group (Tacoma) some 30 years ago . She was involved in emergency support response teams going into disaster areas around the country for floods, hurricanes, tornadoes and fires. She would drop anything to assist you, and was always there for her loved ones. Her most beloved role was as Davids wife, and as a Grandmother to Lauren and Brads beautiful children. She painted rocks, and I think everyone that knew her has at least one painted rock from Debbie. Debbie had a way of loving others no matter what.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 32 years, David H. Bedinger of the home; daughter, Lauren Featherston and husband, Brad of Connecticut; 2 grandchildren, Norah and Thomas; brother, Bob Bush; sisters, Tina Mease, Penny Mulligan; nieces and nephews.

A memorial service / celebration of life, will be held Saturday, April 25th beginning at 11:00 AM at Crossroads Church in Lillington. A potluck will follow afterwards for fellowship. 

Debbie’s desire was not to be buried. Debbie said that “I am not here. I am home with the Lord ! “

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Crisis Dogs of N.C., (rescue and foster) (Tax Donation # 81-3351592) send checks to: CrisisDogsNC 1985 Matthews Rd. Lillington NC 27546 or can donate to our site CrisisDogsNC.org