Deborah "Debbie" Lenker

Deborah “Debbie” Lenker, 66, of Newport, passed away Wednesday, January 23­, 2019, at her home.

Her memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 27, 2019, at Munden Funeral Home, officiated by Chaplain Rick Brooks.

Debbie graduated from Huguenot High School and Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor’s degree in special education and reading. She loved teaching young children, and would many times follow their success throughout their education. Debbie met her husband David while teaching at Gill school in Richmond, Virginia.  Though a dedicated teacher for 32 years, her family always was the center of her universe. Debbie was the magic, the glue, the inspiration that brought together children from a “his, hers, and ours situation”. She nurtured and instilled in each of the 5 children a true love of each other and love for the family. They enjoyed many activities together such as birthday celebrations (7 a year is a lot!), every Christmas, other holidays, and special trips to Italy, France, Napa, and Mexico. She fastened a togetherness that spilled over into everyday life.  Above all else, Debbie will always be remembered for her love of family – the one she was born into, the one she began, and the friends who are like family.

She is survived by her husband, David Lenker of the home; daughters, Jessica Utz and husband Jeremy of Richmond, VA and Erin Schendt and husband Brad of Raleigh; sons, Ethan Lenker and wife Alice of Greenville, Ashley Lenker and wife Kathy of Fairfax Station, VA and Colin Lenker and wife Erin of Raleigh; mother, Joyce Airington of Richmond, VA; sister, Karen Bishop and husband Barry of Richmond; brothers, Russ Airington and wife Cindy of Engelwood, FL and Jim Airington and wife Beth of Atlanta, GA; and 5 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Airington.

Family will receive friends from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, January 27, 2019, at Munden Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to Carteret County Public Schools Foundation at 107 Safrit Dr., Beaufort, NC 28516.

Online condolences may be made at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home and Crematory in Morehead City, NC.