About Deby Jo
Deby Jo Ferguson has spent her life telling stories. She began her career in local journalism, writing sports and editorial pieces for newspapers like the Cherokee Scout and Clay County Progress.
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Her passion for preserving history led to several acclaimed books, including Memories to Behold and the Whispers Among the Laurels series, chronicling Appalachian culture. She also authored veteran-focused works such as A Walk Through Hell and Vietnam: A Soldier’s Plea for Honor, featuring firsthand accounts from WWII and Vietnam veterans.
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After a decade serving as a detention officer and even running for sheriff, Deby returned to writing, publishing Lore, Legends and Laughter and, most recently, her first fiction title, Roxy’s Christmas Journey Home—a heartwarming holiday story born from a dream.​
Quick Facts
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​Hometown: Winston-Salem, N.C.
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Current Residence: Hayesville, N.C.
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Years Married: 55 Years to Larry Dee Ferguson
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Family: One son, two grandsons
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Career Highlights: journalist, photographer, author
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Notable Works:
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Memories to Behold
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Whispers Among the Laurels (I–III)
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A Walk Through Hell
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Vietnam: A Soldier’s Plea for Honor
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Lore, Legends and Laughter
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Roxy’s Christmas Journey Home
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Fun Fact: First woman to run for sheriff in Hayesville, N.C.
Deby Ferguson added “playwright” to her list of accomplishments after completing “A Walk Through Hell” before it was broken down into different additions of war. The book debuted in conjunction with a play she produced as a tribute to all veterans,
“A Veteran’s Welcome Home” luau was held on June 20, 2001, at the Hinton Rural Life Center with over 200 people in attendance. North Carolina Senator Bob Carpenter was in attendance and presented John Corn with the Briston-Allison Chapter of the VFW with a flag that was flown over the capital on March 7, 2001. His wife, Helen Carpenter, presented Corn with a North Carolina flag.
All wars were represented in the play including the Civil War, WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam and Desert Storm. Uniforms and other clothing represented each war. “I wanted it to be their thunder. Their welcome home,” Deby said.
Juanita Booe, Deby’s mother made lap quilts of military theme fabric and presented them to the four POWs from the Death March who were present including one from the Vietnam War. Those who received quilts were T. Middleton of Sylva, N.C., Earl Williams of Charlotte, N.C., Elvis Gaber of Alabama, Westley Wells of New Hampshire and Sen. Carpenter accepted for Nat Henry of Franklin, N.C. A parotic afghan was presented to George Morgan whom without Deby said she would never have had the opportunity to write these stories.
Deby was also presented a flag that was flown over the capital. The play concluded with the song Ten Thousand Angels sung by Diane Moore and Aaron Ferguson followed by a 21 gun salute and dinner.
This was a total community and family effort who stepped in volunteered for the parts in the play, worked endless hours preparing food, decorating and cleaning up. A copy of the book also was given to each veteran in attendance.
