Deborah "Debbie" Betley McCusker

Deborah Kay “Debbie” Betley McCusker, 64, of Wake Forest, passed away Sunday morning, March 27, 2022 at her home with her loving family by her side after a courageous battle with ovarian cancer. She was born in Wilmington, Delaware on February 10, 1958 to the late Edward Betley and Shirley Adams Betley.

Debbie devoted 45+ years to nursing, with a passion for pediatrics and teaching infection prevention. She loved and embraced life with a sense of joy and positivity that always touched those around her. Her eyes were warm and giving; her smile brightened every room she entered. She cherished time with family, friends, and all animals, especially her “fur babies” and animals in need. Her heart belonged to Maine, where she looked forward to spending her summers at her home on the coast. Debbie had a wealth of interests. She was fond of the outdoors, particularly sea glass hunting, hiking, sailing, swimming, gardening, and birds. Her keen aesthetic sense showed in her decorating, paintings, cooking, and the occasional glass of dark beer or red wine. Debbie was strongly devoted to her faith. She gained her strength and gratitude from the Lord. She dedicated her life to serving others, just as Jesus had served her.

A celebration of Debbie’s life will be held at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Crossroads Fellowship Church, 13029 Keith Store Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587. Interment of ashes will be held in Achorn Cemetery, Rockland, Maine at a later date.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 41 years, Joseph “Jay” McCusker; children, Amanda Short & husband Ronnie of Franklinton, Andrew McCusker & wife Madeleine of Chicago, IL and Angela Monderen & husband John of Wake Forest; grandchildren, Adalynn Short, Mason McCusker and Landon Monderen; sisters, Sandy Osman & husband Ahmed of Wake Forest and Cindy Ham & husband Dale of Dushore, PA; nieces, nephews, extended family, friends, and sister-at-heart, Missy Stevens & husband Russ, and their children Noah, Cole, and the late Nicholas. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Debbie’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Second Chance Pet Adoptions, 6003 Chapel Hill Road, Suite 133, Raleigh, NC 27607.

Friends may visit with the family from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, April 1, 2022 at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest (919-556-7400).

www.cswfuneralhome.com