Birth Date: 05/26/1954
Deceased Date: 02/11/2021
Deborah Dale Batten May 26, 1954 – February 11, 2021Deborah Dale Batten went home to be with her Heavenly Father early in the morning on February 11th, 2021, surrounded by her family.Born May 26, 1954 in Raleigh, N.C., Deborah, known as “Debbie,” was the eldest daughter of Johnnie M. Dale, Sr., and Carol Thompson Dale Bennett of Selma, N.C.She graduated in 1972 from Smithfield-Selma High School. Debbie received an Associates Degree in Nursing in 1982 from Johnston Community College, where she was the president of her nursing class and a recipient of the President’s Award. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from North Carolina State University in 1992 with a Bachelors of Science in Health Education. In 2002, she earned a Master’s Degree in Health Administration from Meredith College.Prior to beginning her nursing career, Debbie worked for five years as a reporter and columnist for The Johnstonian-Sun newspaper in Selma. Her weekly column, Country Chatter, was read & enjoyed by many.Debbie worked as a registered nurse at Johnston Memorial Hospital, now UNC-Johnston Health, for more than 33 years. She began her career in the Emergency Department where she obtained her Emergency Nurse Certification and Mobile Intensive Care Nurse Certification. She later became a Nurse Manager of the Same Day Surgery and Endoscopy units.Debbie enjoyed hosting family get-togethers, reading, gardening, and all-things Andy Griffith. She especially enjoyed running the family produce & pumpkin stand where she met and made many friends. She was known as the “Pumpkin Lady” to over three generations of little children who visited their farm stand.Debbie grew up attending Branch Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, where she dedicated her life to Christ. She served many years there as a choir member and Sunday School teacher. In her later years she became a member of Antioch Baptist Church.Debbie met her husband, Tim, in their high school biology class. They married in 1972 and were wed for nearly 50 years before her death. Their children, Lisa and Cameron, and their grandchildren, Olivia and Collin, were her greatest joy.She is survived by her husband, Timothy Batten; Daughter, Lisa Jarvis and husband Matt of Middlesex; Son Cameron Batten of New York; Grandchildren
Olivia Jarvis of Greenville, and Collin Jarvis of Middlesex; Granddogs Atlas of New York, and Ginger of Middlesex; Sisters, Linda Gordon (Walter Jr.) of Selma; Susan Driver (Dwayne) of Wendell; Melanie Hodge (Davey) of Middlesex; Brother Johnnie Dale Jr. (Debbie) of Selma; Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.A funeral service will be conducted on Sunday, Feb. 14th, 3 p.m., at Antioch Baptist Church in Middlesex. Guests are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. The family will receive visitors at the graveside, weather permitting. Flowers are welcomed; memorial contributions can be made to the UNC Rex Cancer Center at https://rexhealthcarefoundation.com/donate/.
