Deborah Lynn Herren Reece
August 28, 1953 ~ July 19, 2026
Born in:
Asheville, NC
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Asheville Butterfly TrailDeborah Lynn Herren Reece, 72, passed away on Sunday, July 19, 2026.
A Candler native, she was the daughter of the late Max James and Ruth Baldwin Herren. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles Ralph Reece; and brother, Steve Herren.
Deborah grew up attending Snow Hill United Methodist Church. She was very talented musically, able to sing and play both the flute and clarinet. She also loved all types of crafts. More than anything, she loved spending time with her family, especially by the river or on beach vacations.
Deborah worked hard to provide for her family as a single mother. She relied on her faith, loved God, and wanted her children to know God, as well.
She is survived by her daughters, Melissa Cauble (Darren), and Melanie Baynard (J.J.); son, Michael Reece (Tiffany); brother, Rudy Herren (Sandra); grandchildren, Trent (Katarina), Kaitlynn, Cody (Aubree), Jordan, Krislyn, Mason, and Madison; and great-grandchildren, Olivia, Luna, Ellie, and Millie.
Her family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. The funeral service will be held the next day at 3:00 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church, 5868 Pigeon Rd., Canton, NC. The burial will then follow at Riverside Baptist Church, Waynesville.
Services
Visitation: July 24, 2026 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Groce Funeral Home - Patton Ave.
1401 Patton Ave.
Asheville, NC 28806
(828) 252-3535
http://grocefuneralhome.com
We are gonna miss you Debbie, We love your family!
Debbie and I were good friends in school. Always loved seeing her at a local store etc. Rest in Peace sweet friend!
I am utterly amazed to look back on our Mamaw and Papaw Herren caring for their 5 grandchildren. Steve, Rudy, Sandi, Debbie and me and being lifelong farmers, and gardeners. We certainly were from hardy stock. Our 1950’s farm childhood was idyllic in so many ways. The front porch, rockers and swing and the farmyard yard was our playground. Heaven surely will have those sights and smells for us. The newly mowed hayfields, cherry tree blossoms, irises like Plantation ladies in frilly dresses, hollyhocks and lilacs at the back door. Distant cowbells, cows and chicken sounds the farmyard. Debbie, I’m so glad you are in peace and free from all pain and worries now. I imagine you in the arms of long past family members. I’m just behind you and will see you soon. You have a special place in my memories and mind. I love you dearly.
With love and sympathy,
Janice Herren Israel
Debbie I’m gonna miss looking out the window watching me mow and taking mollie girl for walks, We will see you soon,
I am so very sad the world has lost your Mama, MawMaw, and Great MawMaw, but what a wonderful legacy she has gifted us in all of you – and in all her actions in this life that touched so many people. I’ve loved reading the messages her friends and family have shared here, and the humorous stories my Dad Rudy tells of the antics of the 3 Herren siblings and Burrell cousins growing up! We need more people of Aunt Debbie’s caliber -especially now- to remind us that kindness is contagious, laughter is potent medicine, and loving each other matters most of all. I remember most Aunt Debbie’s sense of humor, and how her smiles literally lit up a room. My heart and thoughts are with you, Cousins.
I will certainly miss you my sweet friend. Loved all our phone calls and how u could make me laugh and I looked forward to talking with you. My heart is broken! Best wishes to all the family as she loved all of you.
I am so sorry about your Mama. I will be praying for the peace that passes all understanding for you and your family.
Love you,
Cindy
Melissa and family, I’m so sorry to hear about your mother and grandmother she was a very sweet lady I talked to her a couple of times when she was with Melissa. Thoughts and prayers are with you.. Sympathies Susan Lewis