Deborah Collins Luckadoo of Cary, NC, was born May 12, 1954

Deborah Collins Luckadoo of Cary, NC, was born May 12, 1954, in Concordia, Kansas. She died peacefully November 2, 2023, of brain cancer after a 19 month battle, through which she had unwavering faith and remarkable strength.

Deb was the daughter of Dr. Robert Collins and Donna Collins. She grew up in Topeka, KS, as well as in Nebraska and South Dakota.

Deb received her bachelor's and master's degrees from Kansas State University.

She received her doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Georgia. Deb met Tim Luckadoo at the University of Georgia and they were married in Athens, GA, December 11, 1982.

Deb spent her career working with university students and staff at Kansas State University, the University of Georgia, Oklahoma State University, and North Carolina State University. In 2016, she retired with 22 years of service to NC State in the role of Director of Staff Diversity for the University after 15 years as the Director of Student Activities.

Deb strongly believed in equality for all people. She advised and mentored countless students and staff members to help them reach their potential. She taught graduate classes at NC State to prepare students for careers in higher education. She was often sought as a speaker and workshop facilitator.

Deb enjoyed spending time at their cabin on Luckadoo Mountain, traveling to Great Britain and Europe, gardening, daily walks around Cary and cooking meals for her dear family and friends. She loved cheering on the Wolfpack Women's Basketball team, taking rides in her convertible and gathering with her loved ones (including the five family rescue dogs).

Deb was predeceased by her parents Bob and Donna Collins, and father-in-law Bob Luckadoo. Deb is survived by her husband, Tim Luckadoo; her children Kate (Joe Overby) of Raleigh and Maggie (Alex Setzer) of Cary; mother-in-law Helvi Luckadoo of Forest City; her sister Carolyn Warren (Roger) of Olathe, KS, and brother Kim Collins (Debbie Denke) of Santa Barbara, CA, and many beloved sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

In accordance with her wishes, Deb will be buried near the family cabin on Luckadoo Mountain in NC.

A memorial service for Deb will be held at Cary Presbyterian Church Sat., Nov. 11 at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to the Kay Yow Cancer Fund: https://kayyow.com/. Please include a comment to share that you are giving in memory of Deb.

An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com