Debra J McPherson

Debra J. McPherson, age 59, of Grand Forks, ND passed away Monday November 24, 2008 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Deb was diagnosed in March 2003 with a rare bone marrow malignancy, primary systemic amyloidosis. Debra Jill Horner was born July 24, 1949 in Bagley, Minnesota, the daughter of Calvin and Peggy (Mathewson) Horner. Her stepfather, Ray Anderson was an electrician who worked construction and took the family to various communities in Minnesota and North Dakota. In the spring of 1964, they moved to Larimore, ND to continue his work in the missile sites. Deb was a freshman, and this was her tenth school. She always appreciated the warmth and acceptance shown by her fellow classmates and community. Though she was not born or raised there, she always considered Larimore her "hometown." Her family moved to Conrad, Montana the summer before her senior year. Les and Adeline Nustad invited her to live with their family so she could graduate with her class. She accepted their gracious offer and graduated from Larimore High School in May 1967. She attended the University of North Dakota receiving her degree in Medical Technology in 1971. Following graduation, she worked in the UND Medical School's biochemistry department in the clinical chemistry lab. On January 23, 1971, Deb married Allen McPherson in Grand Forks where they lived all their married lives, except for one school term, 1974-1975, in Warren, Minnesota where Allen taught junior high math since 1969. In 1975, Allen took a leave of absence to further his education at UND, and worked part-time for family friend Dale Kauffmann at Dale's Diamond Center. Seeing this as an opportunity for Deb to be the stay-at-home Mom she wanted to be, Allen pursued a career as a jeweler rather than a teacher. In May 1980, Allen and Deb purchased the business renaming it McPherson's Jewelry. Deb joined Allen at the store in 1987 where she worked until her health made it necessary for her to retire in February 2003. Deb's greatest joy was her family. She and Allen were blessed with two lovely daughters, and five treasured grandchildren. Time spent with family and friends was filled with love, laughter, and delicious food! She was a member of the Community of Christ Church with a deep abiding faith. One of her favorite scriptures was, Romans 8:28, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God" Even her illness she saw as a gift that allowed her to meet numerous fellow patients, health care professionals and staff who have touched her heart deeply. She loved music and dancing. She often said she was ministered to by music of all kinds. She is survived by her husband Allen, her two daughters, Jodi and Jill McPherson, both of Grand Forks, the son of her heart, Bob Hull of Grand Forks, and four grandchildren Calli, Paige, Mason, and Gavin, all of Grand Forks, one sister Carol (Frank) Schwietz, Mahtomedi, MN, five brothers, Jack (Jacque) Horner, Mike (Beverly) Anderson, both of Cottage Grove, MN, Pat Anderson, Chisago City, MN, Tim Anderson, Warrensberg, MO, and Sam Horner, Galt, CA, six nieces and six nephews and several friends that were family to her. She was preceded in death by her parents and infant grandson, Austin. Memorial Service: 3:00 PM Saturday December 6, 2008 at Faith Evangelical Free Church, 1400 24th Avenue South, Grand Forks, ND. Memorials may be sent to The McPherson Family, 1375-B So. Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58201, where they will be allocated to fulfill Deb's charitable wishes.