Memorial Gifts & Donations

Debra Silverthorne Paul, beloved daughter, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2023, in Washington, NC. She was born on July 24, 1950, making her 73 years old at the time of her passing.

Debra had a zest for life and found joy in the simple pleasures it had to offer. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, working in the yard, and gathering and burning leaves. One of her passions was crocheting, and she lovingly crafted blankets for all of her children and grandchildren. She also had a talent for crafting beautiful flower arrangements.

Music brought Debra immense happiness, and she could often be found dancing to various genres. However, country music held a special place in her heart. Her lively and outgoing nature earned her the reputation of being a social butterfly. She knew everyone in Beaufort County and was the life of every party she attended.

Debra is survived by her loving mother, Dera Woolard Silverthorne, her devoted daughter, Penny Paul, her sons Kent Paul and Jason Paul, her cherished granddaughter Jacklynn Paul, her grandsons Justin Jones, Nathan Jones, Nasir Lawrence and her great-grandson Noah Jones. She is also survived by her brother Vernon Silverthorne, her sisters Kay Plice and Niki Woolard, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Debra was preceded in death by her husband, Jackie Kent Paul and her father, William Henry Silverthorne, whom both undoubtedly welcomed her with open arms in the afterlife.

Services to honor and remember Debra’s life will take place 3:00pm Monday, October 16, 2023 at Pamlico Memorial Gardens. A viewing will precede the service from 1:30pm until 2:30pm at Joseph B. Paul, Jr. Funeral Service.

Debra will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her vibrant spirit and loving nature will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. May she rest in eternal peace.

Joseph B. Paul Jr. Funeral Service of Washington, NC is honored to serve the Paul family during this difficult time.

Viewing

Monday, October 16, 2023
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Joseph B. Paul, Jr. Funeral Service - Directions

4500 US Highway 264 East

Washington, NC 27889

2529754500

Graveside Service

Monday, October 16, 2023
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Pamlico Memorial Gardens - Directions

161 Avon Avenue

Washington, NC 27889

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Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory

October 20, 2023

Carrie & Roland Modlin Jr. lit a candle:
October 20, 2023

Carrie & Roland Modlin Jr. says:

Kent and Penny so sorry to hear about your mother. May God be with you and your family. Sending prayers.
October 20, 2023

Carrie & Roland Modlin Jr. says:

Kent Paul and Penny so sorry to hear about your mother. May God be with you and your family.
October 20, 2023

Angela Owens says:

Kent So sorry to hear about ur mom! Prayers for you and your family. Angela Owens
October 19, 2023

Janet Bullock Jones says:

So very sorry to hear of Deborah passing. I knew her for many years worked with her. Deborah was a wonderful person 🙏 RIP my friend 💔 prayers for family. Janet B Jones
October 19, 2023

Janet Bullock Jones lit a candle:
October 18, 2023

Dorothy Smith says:

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Debra was such a friendly, outgoing person. I never saw her anywhere without her stopping to speak and talk a while. I know she will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Prayers for comfort and peace for all her family and friends.
October 18, 2023

Dorothy Pinkham Smith lit a candle:
October 17, 2023

Sue woolard lit a candle:
October 17, 2023

DONNIE SULLIVAN says:

SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT DEBRA. I HAVE FOND MEMORY TAKING KAY, DEBRA, AND NIKI TO WALTER REED HOSPITAL TO SEE THEIR UNCLE. I MISS EVERYONE.
October 17, 2023

gray moore lit a candle:
October 17, 2023

Phyllis Woolard Whitehurst says:

I remember when I was a very little girl, my mom and dad would go "down home" and they would always drop me off to stay with Debra. She always said I was her baby. One night the teenaged girls were having a party in the basement and I was allowed to go down there with them. I vaguely remember the party but one thing I do remember is that the lights kept "going out" and I thought something was wrong with the power. Rest easy my Debra.
October 16, 2023

Nancy Boyd lit a candle:
October 16, 2023

Doris Woolard lit a candle:
October 16, 2023

Doris Woolard says:

Thoughts and Prayers Are With You. Keep Your Faith.
October 16, 2023

Sandra Gerard lit a candle:
October 16, 2023

Marvin Alligood & Family says:

A wonderful LADY!
October 16, 2023

BL and Emily Eborn says:

Always enjoyed seeing and talking with Debra. Thoughts and prayers.
October 16, 2023

Vickie Eborn lit a candle:
October 16, 2023

Frankie Hill says:

Penny, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. She was such a funny lady. I remember her dancing around to Eddie Rabbit records and then yelling at us for playing our Michael Jackson records. Sometimes I could never tell when she was messing me me or if she was serious. Lol. I know you and your family will miss her dearly. I wish I could make it to the service today and give you a huge hug!!
October 16, 2023

Kathy Jefferson lit a candle:
October 16, 2023

kathy rinker lit a candle:
October 16, 2023

Cathy Craig lit a candle:
October 15, 2023

Marty Woolard Gurganus lit a candle:
October 15, 2023

Connie Winstead lit a candle:
October 15, 2023

Vickie Boyd says:

Such a sweet lady with an everlasting smile! She was happy and loved her family. I am very sad to learn of Debra’s passing. Prayers for her family, especially my friend Nikki, one of Debra's sisters, and Jodi, Nikki’s daughter. God bless you all!
October 15, 2023

Gary Jackson says:

Kent and Vernon sorry to hear about her passing. I will alway remember dancing with her at the dance on Friday night.
October 15, 2023

Lynette Davis & Jeff says:

So sorry about Debra. I am praying for your family. She will be missed.
October 15, 2023

Lynette Davis & Jeff lit a candle:
October 15, 2023

Judy Beacham lit a candle:
October 15, 2023

Marianna Jackson lit a candle:
October 15, 2023

Marianna Jackson says:

Debra was the only girl friend I've had in my adult life. I've shed many tears with her from laughing so hard as we joked and carried on. Now my tears are from sadness. We've discussed our kids, our men, our love for Jesus, questions about life we never found the answers to, her love for Eddie Rabbitt's and my love for Elvis Presley's music (Elvis is best, Debra, but I'll never hear Eddie without thinking of you). We always had so much fun when we were together; trips to the beach, resale shops, going to a music show, just sharing a laugh over a fast food table. She could do wonders with flower arrangements. She made all my flowers for my wedding. Bobby T. would roll his eyes when her and I would run into each other in town. He knew he would be waiting for awhile. My son's considered Debra as a second mom. She always had room for one more in her heart. She was indeed my best friend and I will never forget her. Now Debra, since you went first it's your obligation remember, to pull for me when my time comes so we can get together again and you can catch me up on what I've missed. Love you girl.
October 15, 2023

Danny & Linda Woolard lit a candle:
October 15, 2023

Laurie Perry Whitesell says:

I am so sorry to hear of Debra's passing. She was such a kind and sweet soul. Prayers of peace and comfort to all of her family.
October 14, 2023

Lorene Lane says:

I enjoyed knowing Debra, she was such a sweet lady. Every time I would see her, she would ask me how Ms Gladys (my sister) was doing . She knew her boys from years past. She loved her family. God bless y’all in the days ahead.
October 14, 2023

Robert and Fonda Gautier says:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Paul family. Debra was an amazing person. She always had a funny story to share when I saw her. Penny and Kent, she was always so very proud of you both! Remember the good times! May God bless you all in this difficult time🙏♥️
October 14, 2023

Mike and Dale Quidley says:

Debra was such a sweet lady she was always happy. I am so sorry for your loss and your family will be in our prayers
October 14, 2023

Charlene Hoggard woolard says:

Penny, Justin, Ms Dera, Kay, Nickie and family: May God bless you all in your time of sorrow . I will miss her so much. I thought a lot of her. I will remember her smile when she saw me and smiled especially in Walmart.
October 14, 2023

Anita Bridgman says:

Penny and family, I'm so sorry to hear of Debra passing. Remember that you have done everything possible for her. You are an amazing daughter, cherish all your memories. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers and thoughts.
October 14, 2023

Jade Moore Harris says:

I will certainly miss seeing Debra around. Didn't see her often anymore but always stopped to speak and talk to her a little. Always remember the first time we met, we went hunting with Marvin Boyd and Daddy in Hyde Co.. Her, Kay and me. No luck with hunting but we had a good time! Been friends ever since! She was a friendly person and always had time to chat!
October 14, 2023

Marilyn Willard Hale says:

I am so sorry to learn about Mrs. Paul passing. I know she will be missed so much. May God bless and comfort all of her family as only He can is my prayer. (Friend of Penny Paul.)