Debra Haas Obituary

Oh my goodness. This is a hard one for me. I last saw Debbie while at New Hanover Hospital battling leukemia in 1992. I was sick from chemo and depressed & I looked up to see the biggest smile. Recognized it but couldn’t place it right that second but it came to me when she spoke. She said hey pokaDotty. I busted out in tears. I had not seen my friend in almost 13 + years? How did she find me there. In a few moments her siblings were there to see me also. I never got to tell her or Doug & Vicki how much that visit meant yo me. I had a day or 2 before been at Duke Hospital in isolation for 6 weeks because I was neutropenic & on a study. I had been released to come home to see my mom & daughter & spiked a fever & ended right back in the hospital & was waiting for my blood counts to rise to go back to Duke. Debbie somehow heard I was there & she was on her way up to visit her dad who was in the hospital & she & her family took time out of their visit with him to cheer an old friend up. That is the kind of people they are. Debbie was always that way as well as Doug & Vicki. We laughed about old times & the silly things we did. Debbie & I drove school buses together back when they bused the children on the island to Wilmington to Dawson Street to achieve racial equality. We were determined to keep those children happy & safe & made their ride to & from school those 2 years as pleasant and safe as possible. She drove number 117 & I was 133. We had the best time. Those children were our main concern & we loved each one. I miss my friend. She was a remarkable woman. I think of her so often when Halloween comes & whenever I see a school bus. Her act of kindness will never leave me when I was so down that day. Her family has always looked out for others. They are amazing folks.

Deb, you were the sister I never had, thank you for sharing your life w/me. You will always be in my heart.

Sam & Paul are your gay buds,
the ones you had fun with
and dranks some suds(well rum)
From SC to NC we followed you there,
and we were always messing with you about your hair.
Was great to see you that last time we did,
and some of Paul's language made Ms. Martha wish she had hid!
We already miss your laughter and smile,
and that's no do-do pile.
You will always be with us in spirit,
even though your voice; we can't here it.
Love, laughter and good friends,
you had it all until the end.
Love you and your Family.
Sam and Paul

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Doug and family, I have prayed for Debbie to be healed from the day I heard of her illness and I am so sorry she had to leave. Her loving spirit and her memories will always be there for your family and close friends. You have a wonderful family and I know you are at a loss. Please accept my sincere condolences. I pray that the love of your family and close friends will comfort you now. Terry Strandquest Wynne

We will miss the laughter and smiles Ms. Debbie produced and created. RIP

I personally, did not know, Deb, but a good friend, of mine, did. My friend only had great things to say about Deb! My deepest sympathty, to all her family, and friends!

Martha,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are very sorry for your loss. Shellie & Todd Hescock

In loving memory of a beautiful person. Debbie I will never forget you. I will miss you so very much. I love you always and forever.

Doug - I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your sister. I will keep your family in my thoughts.

I cannot find the words to express how very sad I am on hearing of Debbie's passing. I loved Debbie & will remember her kind & encouraging words and her positive energy. She was a true friend who wished the best for everyone. I can't imagine high school without her & all of our (the 620 beach kids)adventures. We sure stuck together. Back in 1992 it had been some 20 years since I had seen Debbie & I was recovering from a particularly nasty round of chemo & I remember I waked up to see standing at the foot of my bed, with Doug, & Vicki at the foot of my bed. She was smiling & reassuring. Everyone wished me well. You don't find folks like this everyday. I loved Debbie & her family and will always remember her kind & encouraging words & positive energy. She was a true friend who wished the best for everyone. The world has lost a bright light with her passing & would be much darker had she not lit that light within everyone she met.

Thinking about you all and praying that you will find comfort in the Lord. Debbie will be missed greatly by all of her Beach Kid friends and everyone she came in contact with. Love you all, Sylvia

Will always love and miss you baby girl.