Deborah “Debbie” Lynn Zakalata, 56, of Clinton, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at home with her loving family, friends and pets by her side.

Debbie, born March 9, 1970, in Dearborn Michigan, was the daughter of Richard Zakalata and Patricia Wells.

Debbie had meningitis as an infant that left her with a learning challenge. She received specialized instruction through public education in Michigan. As one influential person in Debbie’s life shared, God always had Debbie in the palm of His hand. She had led a full life of working and living on her own with the loving oversite of her mother and then her sister Denice. Debbie was welcomed with open arms from her church family when she moved to Clinton in 2019. She was active member at Plain View PFWB Church. Debbie enjoyed singing in the choir, membership in women’s ministry and bible study. Our church family has always demonstrated love, compassion, and support to Debbie. Also of great importance is the love and compassion shown to Debbie by Jay and Laurie Wells and Ronald and Sherry Zakalata. The continued acknowledgement and contact through her life were cherished by Debbie. Because these special family members gave time to Debbie, she knew they loved her. Thank you, please know that you brought her joy.

Debbie also loved her cat Patches, which lay by her head or feet during her time with hospice.

Special acknowledgement to 3HC Hospice and Kitty Askins Hospice Center for the transition to home. Also, many thanks to Duke University Hospital’s Neurology staff of central tower 8th floor. The medical care was outstanding, and the professionalism is top tier.

Her surviving family is sister, Denice Raciti and finance Donald Grady of Clinton; niece Cheyenne Woodall of Ann Arbor Michigan and great nephew Theo Peterson.

In addition to her parents, Debbie was preceded in death by her Uncle Gerald Zakalata and her Aunt Sherry Zakalata who is survived by her husband Ronald Zakalata, their two daughters, sons in law and grandchildren, Jay and Laurie Wells, their two sons, daughter, respective spouses and grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Plain View PFWB Church, 5105 Hobbton Hwy, Clinton, NC, at 10 AM, Sunday July 19th with Rev. Chubby Reiber, officiating. The family will receive friends and church family immediately after the service with fellowship.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Deborah Lynn Zakalata’s name to purchase a steppingstone and a handmade ceramic butterfly. The steppingstone will be engraved with Debbie’s name and become a fixture in the Walk of Life at Kitty Askins.  https://www.3hc.org/donate-now/