Deborah “Debbie” Gray Hodge passed away peacefully in her home in Hatteras on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the age of 71.
A native of Buxton, Debbie was born on April 22, 1952, to the late Alice Austin Gray and Damon M. Gray, Jr.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Larry Gray; brothers-in-law, Eugene Mayo and BB Hodge; and her parents-in-law, Paul and Dot Hodge.
Debbie is survived by her husband of 52 years, Cliff Hodge; daughter, Allison and Lee Ferreira; son, J.C. Hodge; and three grandsons, Devin, Damon, and Dean Ferreira, whom she loved dearly. Also, surviving are two sisters, Rosa-Alice Mayo and Analee and husband Tom Bibbey; one brother, D.M. Gray and wife Kristin all of Hatteras; three sisters-in-law, Peggy Gray, Sharon Hodge, and Tess Hodge; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
After graduating from Cape Hatteras High School in 1970, Debbie attended Hardbarger Business School in Raleigh.
Records show Debbie was baptized on February 1, 1953, by W. Brian Gregory in the Hatteras United Methodist Church where she remained a lifelong member. Active in the church, Debbie was a member of the Methodist Women, the choir, assisted with the children’s choir and served as the church treasurer for 33 years. She was faithful to the Cynthia Harper Bible Studies which became the Wednesday morning bible study.
Debbie was a member of the Hatteras Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary for many years where she also served as treasurer. She often volunteered for the Hatteras Village Community Fish Fry delivering meals to shut-ins and fulfilling a variety of duties as needed. Debbie also took care of many children throughout the years and was known to most as Mom.
Debbie was well-loved and will be missed by many.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at Hatteras United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends and relatives for a reception in the church fellowship hall immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hatteras Methodist Preschool or the Hatteras United Methodist Church (PO Box 310, Hatteras, NC 27943).
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.