Deborah Gale Alderman was born on July 31, 1959, in Christiansburg. She followed her twin sister, Dinah, into this world three minutes later. We may never know but we were always told, Dinah was born on 7/31 a minute before midnight and Deborah followed two minutes after midnight on 8/1/59 but the records were manipulated so they would share their birthday.
With the exception of a few years in Shawsville, she lived her life in the Town of Christiansburg, a place she loved. She always said the birth of her son, Kyle, was one of her greatest accomplishments. They shared a special bond and love for each other that many of us will never experience
She worked many years as a weaver at New River Industries until the plant closed in 2007. She moved on to find rewarding work in the cafeteria at Christiansburg High School as well as at Food Lion in the deli, making and decorating cakes and assisting customers at the counter. She enjoyed making and decorating cakes for special occasions,especially for friends and their family members. How fortunate were we to have shared a bite of something she made with love.
She was rewarded by her work doing crafts and teaching in children’s church. She loved traveling with family and friends and found many memories in her trips to Hawaii, Arizona, California, Florida, Canada, Midwest locations and several trips to New York City where she took in Broadway plays, Yankee baseball games, various museum visits and the best pizza by the slice in Penn Station. She also made memorable trips, to name a few, to Pigeon Forge, Dollywood and Disney World with Kyle.
Deborah nurtured many long-term friendships. She felt their sincere love over the years and kindness till the end. Due to COVID, she could only have visits at the window, but that never fazed her many friends who were there over and over. Deborah was a good-hearted woman and was dearly loved and will be missed.
She is survived by her son, Kyle G. Maynard, and his girlfriend, Alexis; her sister, Dinah Alderman Rengel, and brother-in-law David Rengel of Brooklyn, N.Y.
Deborah was preceded in death by her loving parents, Dale and Maisie (Lynch) Alderman, and a sister, Linda Cox.
Special thanks go to Carilion Hospice, who gave Deborah the precious love and respect she deserved. She also appreciated the special Santa visit by the Christiansburg Fife and Police departments during the Christmas holiday. Thanks also to Sowder’s Chapel, a congregation of family who were very close to her.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christiansburg Fire Department or the Elliston Fire Department. For virtual service, please go to the Sowder’s Chapel Facebook page on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021, at 2 p.m. for a live stream service. Services will be available to view later.
Arrangements are with Horne Funeral Home & Crematory 540-382-2612.