Deborah Basinger Gaither, of Kernersville, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025, in hospice care after a brief but courageous battle with a terminal illness.

Deborah built a long and rewarding career spanning telecommunications and airline operations before finding her true passion in the classroom as an elementary school teacher and later as a classroom math coach. She earned her master’s degree in education and her commitment to nurturing young minds left a lasting legacy in the lives of her students and peers.

She is survived by her brother, Frank (wife Denise); two children, Mitchell (wife Jessica) and Amber Gaither; and her beloved grandchildren: Keaton Gaither, Donovan Black, Jakhai Gaither, Carter Gaither, and Aliyaana Evans, who brought her immeasurable joy.

Deborah also cherished her relationships with her extended family, which included nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart: niece Angela Shue; nephew Marty Shue (wife Stephanie); great-niece Avery Hester; great-nephew Spencer Hester; great-nephew Parker Basinger; and great-great-niece Sidney Ellis.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the friends who shared memories and offered such generous support in recent months. Deborah especially treasured the visits, kindness, and love expressed by Deborah McMillian, Ana Posada, Dawn Holifield, and Kathi Amrich—she loved you all so much.

She will be remembered for her love of learning, compassion, and enjoyment of animals.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to one of the following organizations: Winston-Salem Foundation, Forsyth Humane Society, or Blood Cancer United (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the Pierce Jefferson Event Center from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a life well lived.