Deborah Gail (Moore) Ahlers

Deborah G Ahlers, former Mayor of Caswell Beach NC and BEMC Board member, passed away on August 17, 2024 after her battle with pancreatic cancer.  She will be laid to rest at a private family ceremony. Deborah is survived by her husband Robert of 50 years, her 2 children Ryan and Jessica, 5 grandchildren Gabriella, Layla, Hannah, Emily and Calvin, 1 brother Bill Moore and 3 sisters Pam Oakley-Whiting, Leslie Moore and Lisa Bonney.  And preceded in death by her parents William Moore and Betty Jane Brewer.

Deborah was born November 6, 1949 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil while her family was stationed at the Air Force base there. She spent her childhood on Air Force bases throughout the US and Spain and attended college at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado where she graduated with a degree in Archaeology.  She continued her career in Native American and Revolutionary War Archeology after moving to New York, working at Bear Mountain State Park.  During her time living in NY and NJ Deborah married her husband of 50 years, Robert Ahlers, and had 2 children.  While staying home with her children, Deborah pursued a career in magazine publishing and then began her own import/export business for pet food and supplements to Russia.

In 2000 Deborah and her husband retired and moved to Caswell Beach, NC.  They intended to stay in Caswell for just a short time while building a house nearby.  Bob and Deb fell in love with the beach and town and decided to make their permanent home in the Arboretum neighborhood.  After a few years of retirement, Deborah, an avid dog lover, decided the beach leash laws needed to be changed.  As was her way in all things, Deborah was not going to ask for the change - she intended to make it happen herself.  In 2003 she joined the Caswell Beach Board of Commissioners and began her long record of public service.  Deborah moved from Commissioner, to Mayor Pro Tem to Mayor throughout her time serving the Town of Caswell Beach.  Having never participated in town government, Deborah worked diligently to learn how to navigate the “Old Boy’s Club” that is NC politics and inserted herself as a strong grant writer and agent for protecting North Carolina beaches.  She was dedicated to the safety and management of Caswell Beach and was always on sight during a flood or hurricane.  Deborah highly respected the town employees and Police and Fire staff.  She believed their contributions were meaningful, understood their value to the town and relied on their personal expertise. As Mayor, she accomplished many improvements for the town including numerous storm water and beach renourishment projects.  One endeavor she was particularly proud of was the establishment and building of the now named “Deborah G Ahlers Emergency Services Building” providing the residents of Caswell Beach a place to house the fire, police, and public works departments.

Never one to back down from a challenge, Deborah became the District 2 representative on the Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation (BEMC) Board of Directors.  In this position, Deborah educated herself on the many intricacies of running an electric cooperative and thoroughly enjoyed the challenges it presented.  In 2023, Deborah was awarded “The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award”.  This award is North Carolina’s governor’s highest honor. The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award is for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.

Deborah loved her family, her town and of course her dogs.  Most residents of Caswell Beach have memories of her on the beach with a yellow lab and grandkids.  She truly loved serving the Town of Caswell Beach and the residents of Brunswick County.  She had many unique careers during her life, but being a mother, grandmother and wife were her most rewarding experiences.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family at www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com