Deborah "Debbie" DeGarde Wilson

On February 10, 2022 surrounded by her loving family, Mrs. Deborah “Debbie” DeGarde Wilson, 68, of Glenwood, NC was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior.  Debbie, was born on October 2, 1953 to the late Howard and Faye DeGarde at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS.

Known to her friends and family as The Queen, she was raised in the Ridgewood Community of New York City, before her family moved to Thomasville, NC.  A graduate of Appalachian State University, The Queen was a career educator, teaching elementary children in Davidson County before moving to McDowell County.  She retired as a kindergarten teacher from Marion Elementary in 2009 after more than 33 years.  She then assumed the role of babysitter and taxi driver to her beloved grandchildren. 

A longtime and devoted member of Glenwood Baptist Church, The Queen served as the VBS Director for over 30 years.  Outside of her church she served as a Girl Scout leader and was very involved in Sister Chicks.

Debbie will be remembered for her always cheerful attitude and her enduring faith and spirit. Throughout her illness The Queen maintained a hopeful spirit and never lost faith that her Lord was walking with her. She is survived by her husband of 44 years Rick Wilson and her daughter Amy Wilson Dowdle (Josh), of Glenwood and her son Josh, of Genoa, IL.  She is also survived by her three grandchildren whom she adored Jackson, Cora, and Justice Dowdle.  She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

A homegoing celebration will be held on Sunday, February 13, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. at Glenwood Baptist Church.  The family will receive friends from 2pm-4pm at the church, immediately followed by the funeral service with Reverends Keith Jamison and Chad Brewer officiating. Burial will be at the Glenwood Cemetery.