Hattie Jo DeBord

Greene

Hattie Jo DeBord Canter Greene, age 85, of Grassy Creek, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Twin County Regional Healthcare in Galax, Virginia.

She was born in Ashe County on July 17, 1941, to the late Lee DeBord and Stella Porter DeBord. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husbands, Jerry Dean Canter and John W. Greene, and a brother, Marvin Glenn DeBord.

A lifelong lover of books, Hattie Jo’s passion for reading began early—as a child, her mother could often find her reading tucked away in apple trees or reading under the covers with a flashlight in her bedroom. She went on to earn her master’s degree and dedicated her professional life to literature and education, serving as the librarian at Healing Springs Elementary School and later retiring from the Ashe County Library. At home, she was known as an industrious, dedicated worker who was always ready to lend a helping hand on the farm and in the garden. She was a faithful member of Pleasant Home Baptist Church.

She is survived by her son, Johnny Canter and wife, Chanda, of Grassy Creek; her daughter, Jeana Badger and husband, Joe, of Lansing; a brother, Roger DeBord and wife, Janice, of Grassy Creek; and a sister, Corrine Testerman, of Grassy Creek. Also surviving are one granddaughter, McKenzie Canter; three step-grandchildren, Tyler, Drew, and Jeremiah Greene; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel, with Rev. Louis Young and Rev. Mark Wagg officiating. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, at the chapel.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made to the Friends of the Library, 148 Library Drive, West Jefferson, NC 28694.