Deborah “Debbie” McGrattan Morgan

Of Leland, NC, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born in Norfolk, VA, Debbie was the daughter of the late Daniel T. McGrattan Sr. and Evelyn Shackelford McGrattan.

Debbie was predeceased by her beloved husband and best friend of 37 years, Commander Newton “Newt” H. Morgan, USN (Ret.), whose legacy of love and service she cherished throughout her life.

A 1973 graduate of Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, VA, Debbie earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs on May 23, 1989. This proud accomplishment set the foundation for her successful career. She retired as a Vice President in the commercial lending industry in West Chester, PA.

In her retirement, Debbie found fulfillment as a substitute teacher in Wilmington, NC, sharing her kindness and wisdom with countless students. She had a lifelong love of reading, which she joyfully passed down to her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and even her grandnieces and grandnephews. Her passion for books and storytelling brought cherished moments of connection across generations, creating a legacy of curiosity and learning in her family.

Debbie was a devoted member of St. James Parish in Wilmington, NC, where she found strength in her faith and joy in her church community.

She will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend. She is survived by her two sons, William Vernay of Morgantown, PA, and Christopher Vernay of Wilmington, NC; her cherished grandsons, Garrett and Griffin Vernay of Morgantown, PA.

The proud older sister of Daniel Thomas McGrattan Jr. (Kathie) of Virginia Beach, VA; Catherine Sharpe (Billy) of Smithfield, VA; William Michael McGrattan (Carri) of Jacksonville, FL; Kelly DiLuzio (Vic) of Selbyville, DE; Patrick McGrattan (Cathy) of Charlotte, NC; and John McGrattan of Norfolk, VA.

She is also survived by her in-laws on the Morgan side: Barb Collins (Bill Vaughan) of Knotts Island, NC; Gene Morgan (Joy Murray) of Lakeside, CA; and Nancy Tillery (Terry) of Kill Devil Hills, NC.

She is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and friends who brought joy to her life.

Her adventurous spirit will live on as she is laid to rest at sea in a private ceremony. A celebration of life will be held at a later date to honor her memory. Please visit Andrews Mortuary’s website for updates on the date and time of the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. James Parish in Wilmington, NC. Donations can be made online at https://onrealm.org/StJamesParish/-/form/give/memorial.

Your memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at Andrews Mortuary of Wilmington, NC (www.andrewsmortuary.com).