Deborah Persons

Deborah Persons of Loch Sheldrake, New York a retired teacher and a long time area resident, died Monday, April 20, 2026 at Garnet Health Medical Center, Middletown, NY. She was 73.

The daughter of the late Francis R. and Mary Etta Holdridge Hilton, she was born February 13, 1953 in Rochester, NY.

Deborah devoted 32 years to teaching in schools across New York State, including Even Start, Head Start, and Light and Life Christian Academy, touching the lives of countless students along the way. Her deep love of learning inspired her to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at the age of 62. She will be warmly remembered by the many students and church friends in Sullivan County whose lives she brightened with her kindness and dedication.

Survivors include her husband, Rev. James Persons, whom she married in 1975; four children, Tamara Hyde and her husband Michael of Hortonville, NY, Timothy Persons and his wife Dorothy of Rio Rancho, NM, Talitha Grimm of Ludlow, PA, and Thomas Persons of Loch Sheldrake, NY; her grandchildren, Abigail Fulton (Michael), Ezra Hyde, Jacob Hyde, Gabriel Hyde, Elora Hyde, Benjamin Persons, Rebekah Persons, John David Grimm, Jr., Kayla Grimm, and Rachel Grimm.

She was predeceased by her brother, Frank Hilton.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 10AM to 12 Noon in the Light House Ministries Church, 23 Triangle Road, Liberty, NY 12754. A celebration of life service will begin at 12 Noon in the Church. The Revs. Kathy and Dr. Richard Ienuso will officiate.

Memorial contributions in Deborah's name may be made to Light House Ministries, 23 Triangle Road, Liberty, NY 12754.

Dignified cremation provided by Harris Crematorium LLC. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY 845-292-0001 or 845-439-5200 or www.Harris-FH.com