Below is Mom's obituary that will be posted in the Raleigh News and Observer tomorrow (Sunday, Sept 2nd) and also on the McLaurin Funeral Home website. Her Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, Sept 8th at 3pm.



Deborah Dawn Ringgold Crider, youngest of five children of James Denwood and Helen Bobbitt Ringgold, died at her home in Clayton on August 30th, thereby concluding her inspiring earthly quest through multiple myeloma and plasma cell leukemia into heaven and the healing arms of Jesus. Purely and simply, Debbie loved people—her beloved family, brothers and sisters in the faith, trusted clinical colleagues, many other treasured friends, and the countless precious patients whom she served “as if unto the Lord.”  Her life mattered as she poured herself into our lives as nurturer, caregiver, interested-only-in-you conversationalist, and constant witness to the love of God available for all.

Born in Raleigh on November 9, 1956 and graduated Sanderson High School (‘75). Earned BSN at UNC Charlotte (‘79) and began a 39-year nursing career in the Emergency Department at Duke University Medical Center, worked at Nalle Clinic in Charlotte, Oberlin Road Pediatrics in Raleigh, and retired from  7 years at Rex Urgent Care in Cary.

Preceded in death by her parents; maternal grandparents Garland and Naomi Bobbitt; fraternal grandparents Wallace and Louise (Ringgold) Corkran; brother Denwood Ringgold; nephew Aaron Garner; father-in-law Herman Crider; husband's daughter Helen Crider Phillips; grandson Troy Kelly.

Survived by her husband of 28 years Jeffrey Crider; daughters Abigail (Tolly) Ratliff of Durham, Marcella (Matthew) King of Raleigh, Sarah Crider of Charlotte, Kristen (Alec) Steward of Clayton, son Steve (Kendra) Crider of CO Springs, CO, grandchildren Kaya Ratliff, Malcolm King, Shiloh Steward, Jeffrey and Benjamin Crider, and John David, Colten, Will, and Jenna Kelly; stepmother Betsy Ringgold of Little River SC; sister Donna (John) Francis of Raleigh, sister Vickie (Don) Garner of Talbott TN, brother Marty (Le) Ringgold of Clayton; numerous beloved nieces, nephews and their children.

Debbie was a founding member and active leader of LIFE Community Church. Her Celebration of Life service will be led by her pastors Rev. Patrick and Anita Shively at the Church at Clayton Crossing (11407 US Hwy 70 Bus West in Clayton) on Saturday, September 8th at 3 o'clock in the afternoon with family visitation to follow. A private burial was held. In lieu of flowers, we have set up 'Dauntless Debbie's Blessing' a bereavement fund that will be used to support families walking through loss. Please send donations to Life Community Church (1609 Old US Hwy 70 W Clayton, NC 27520) designating Debbie's Fund, or plant your favorite flower in Debbie's honor. A guestbook is available at Caring Bridge and on the McLaurin Funeral Home website. The family appreciates the thoughtful care given her by Dr. Tuchman and staff at UNC Cancer Center and by Transitions LifeCare Hospice. McLaurin Funeral Home of Clayton is assisting the family.