Deborah Wall Byrnes

Deborah Anne Wall Byrnes, 76, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on September 2, 2026, after a long and courageous fight with cancer. Debb spent most of her early life in Mount Airy, and her years at Mount Airy High School held a special place in her heart. She embraced school life fully, participating in many clubs and organizations and becoming a natural leader among her classmates. Although admired by many, she carried herself with genuine humility. The friendships she formed and the sense of connection she found there helped shape the warm, outgoing person she remained throughout her life. She attended Appalachian State University, and even then, her independent spirit was unmistakable. One memorable weekend, Debb arrived home from college on a motorcycle, much to her mother’s astonishment. Betty promptly loaded the motorcycle onto a trailer and returned Debb—and the motorcycle—to Appalachian. Debb later continued her education at the University of Wisconsin, where she trained as a respiratory therapist. Her adventurous spirit later took her to Texas, where she worked in exercise physiology. As she explored different paths and discovered where her talents might lead, Debb eventually settled in Atlanta and built a successful career as an executive recruiter, establishing her own recruiting business. She concluded her career as a senior recruitment specialist with Gensler, a global architecture firm, where she formed deep ties with her colleagues and felt fortunate to be part of such a distinguished organization. Debb delighted in discovering new places and trying new things. Even after her cancer diagnosis, she embraced life fully. She studied street photography in Paris, finding beauty in ordinary people and hoping her photographs would spark curiosity. She wrote a screenplay and presented it at Sundance, learned jewelry making, and most recently took a journalism class at Wake Forest. Her curiosity was insatiable. She loved the beach, traveled widely, and was always looking forward to her next adventure. Debb began each day with the words “Carpe Diem,” and she lived true to them. Along the way, Debb met her “sweetheart,” Don Winkler. They shared 21 years together, including many happy years on Don’s farm before moving to Winston-Salem. There, Debb continued her interest in everyday people by photographing and writing for “Humans of Winston-Salem.” She interviewed people from all walks of life and shared their stories on social media with genuine interest and compassion. The work reflected one of her greatest gifts: her curiosity about others and her belief that everyone had a story worth telling. Throughout her life, Debb made treasured friends wherever life took her and had a remarkable gift for maintaining those friendships across years and miles. Her warmth, enthusiasm, and unforgettable personality drew people to her, and the extraordinary number of lives she touched is a testament to how deeply she was loved. Debb had a remarkable gift for making every occasion feel special. She never forgot a birthday or an important moment in the lives of those she loved. Holidays were fully decorated, music filled the air, and every detail was thoughtfully chosen. She created more than celebrations, she created an atmosphere, drawing everyone into the moment and leaving them with memories to cherish. Debb was preceded in death by her beloved partner, Don Winkler, who passed away just days before her, and by her parents, William F. Wall III and Betty Ring Wall. She is survived by her brothers, Bill Wall and Steve Wall and his wife, Christine; her sisters, Mary Winstead and her husband, Bill, and Kathy Holt and her husband, Billy; and several beloved nieces and nephews. Debb’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to the devoted caregivers who lovingly cared for both Debb and Don over the past several years. Their kindness, compassion, and faithful support brought great comfort and will always be remembered. In accordance with Debb’s wishes, she will be cremated and will take her final beach trip to the Outer Banks. At a later date, her family will host a gathering of friends and loved ones to remember and celebrate Debb’s life. Details will be shared when arrangements have been made. Although Debb’s remarkable life could never truly be told briefly, as she would say, “Long story short.”Memorial donations may be made in Debb's memory to the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home through Trellis Supportive Care, online at trellissupport.org/donate, or by mail to Trellis Supportive Care, Attn: Donor Relations, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. Moody Funeral Services of Mount Airy is entrusted with her arrangements.