Deborah Welborn Greer 1950-2024

Deborah Denise Welborn Greer (1950–2024), 74, of Independence, VA, died on Wednesday, December 18. Deborah was a daughter, sister, mother, wife, aunt, and grandmother, fierce friend and supporter of her community, known and admired for her tenacity, grit, and quick wit. She will be deeply missed by all.

Deborah grew up in High Point, NC and while at High Point Central High enjoyed tooling around town in a red Spitfire convertible, a gift from her beloved father, Dennis. Her tight bond with her three sisters, Martha, Angie, and Emily, continued from childhood through her entire life. She attended Peace College and graduated with a degree in Art, Class of 1970. Ed (or as Deborah liked to call him, “Freddie”) and Deborah were born in the same hospital, 25 days apart. They became reacquainted after college. Ed impressed her with his cooking skills, and they were married on June 30, 1973. After a memorable honeymoon by train to New Orleans, the two later settled in the mountains of Virginia to follow their back-to-the-land dreams. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2023 with friends and family. Deborah’s struggle with rheumatoid arthritis began in her 20s but she never let it stop her from living life.

Their son Morgan was born first, followed by daughter Tyler. True to her counterculture roots, Deborah chose unusual names. She loved being a mother; family cookouts on the New River or at Comer’s Rock, cheering the loudest at baseball games, celebrating achievements big and small, always willing to dispense advise or being a shoulder to cry on. Kate and Sage, twin granddaughters, were born to Tyler and Jason in 2013. The children were in the NICU and Deborah was by Tyler’s side during this ordeal, helping her navigate care away from home. They are now thriving 11 year olds and missing their “Gemmie”.

After time in various industries, Deborah and Ed realized that their independent natures were better suited to going into business on their own. Deborah used her art degree to start her own graphic design shop, and for years was the town’s local go-to designer. She was also the business manager for Ed’s home appraisal business. Deborah had a passion for her community and served as President of the Board of the 1908 Courthouse Foundation in Independence since 2016. Most recently, she was tirelessly working on a grant application to fund renovations. The courthouse serves as a hub for the community of Independence, and Deborah and Ed kept their business offices there for decades. Many good times were had at the Courthouse, from wine festivals to parades and Christmas lightings.

Deborah loved reading, especially historical fiction, and being out on the golf course (not necessarily golfing); watching a good golf match on TV, and talking and thinking about food. Her favorite place in the world was Holden Beach, sitting on the deck, looking at the ocean and feeling the breeze. Going to the Smith House has been a lifelong tradition with four generations returning to vacation there year after year. She loved a drive around the countryside with Ed to spot wildflowers and birds and take in the scenic views. She could identify many songbirds by their calls. Deborah was a cat lover and leaves Rory, Sandy, and Bubba in Ed’s care. She had a few favorite dogs too and always talked about Stagger Lee, the smartest and best looking dog to ever live.

Lifelong friends will miss Deborah, from her “Raleigh crew” to her many friends in Independence. Deborah and Ed loved to host gatherings in their historic home with the view of Point Lookout Mountain, the most special being their yearly tradition of an Independence Day celebration. This was just one of many porch parties, countless champagne toasts, innumerable dinner parties and beach trips, and wonderful holiday drop-ins over the many years. Everyone knew Deborah for her sense of humor and will laugh remembering some of her turns of phrases: “let me just jus this up”, “bartender, I’ll have another dink”; “don’t make me get the fly swatter”; “that’s enough comments from the peanut gallery”; ”amen, sister”; “sugar” and especially poignant right now - “life is for the living”.

Deborah was preceded in death by her father, Dennis Welborn Jr., and mother-in-law, Mabel Greer. She is survived by her husband, Ed; daughter Tyler (Jason) Rutherford, granddaughters Kate and Sage, son Morgan (Christine), mother Carolyn Welborn, and her dear sisters and their families: Angie (Rich) High, Emily (Kevin) Lipe, and Martha (Julian) Cockerham; her father in law, Edward Greer; and sister in law Claire (David) Collins and brother-in-law Dale.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 25, 2-4pm, at the Baldwin Auditorium in the 1908 Courthouse. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Deborah’s honor to the courthouse: PO Box 336 • Independence, VA 24348. 

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