Debbie Persinger Dawson, 57, of 1706 Summit Drive, died, Sunday April 18, 2010 at Alleghany Regional Hospital.

She was born November 9, 1953 in Alleghany County, a daughter of the Edith Geraline Persinger Shuff of Clifton Forge and the late Carl Raymond Persinger, Jr.

Debbie was a wonderful care giver. She was a private duty nurse for 45 years, specializing in Alzheimer's patients. She collected stamps and like to hunt and fish. Debbie loved to cook and had a very special way with animals.

In addition to her father, Debbie was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Kay Persinger; a brother, Carlos Persinger, and great nephew, Conner Wolfe.

Surviving are her husband, Howard Jerrel Dawson of Covington; her son, William Jennings of Ashe, NC; a step daughter, Cherrie Brown and her husband, David of Covington; a step granddaughter, Autumn Vallandingham of Covington; two sisters, Sherry Lappeaux of Covington and Tammie Hepler and her husband, Jesse of Selma; nieces and nephews, Jennifer Pritt; Christina Lappeaux; Bobby Wolfe, Jr.; Raymond Wolfe; Rebecca Persinger and Drew Hepler.

The funeral service will Wednesday evening, April 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. in the Arritt Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Riley Roscoe Smith officiating, assisted by the Rev. David Brown. Following the funeral service the family will receive friends at the funeral home and at other times they will be at home of Sherry Lappeaux at 5860 Bens Run Road, Covington, Virginia.

In keeping with her wishes, Debbie's body will be cremated.

The Arritt Funeral Home, Covington, Virginia, is handling the arrangements.