Fund named for slain Meals on Wheels director

ROCKY MOUNT — Friends and family of a slain Rocky Mount Meals on Wheels director have developed a fund to raise money for her favorite causes.

Debbie Kornegay, 58, and Meals on Wheels assistant director Eve Beasley were preparing meals in the kitchen at Lakeside Baptist Church on Oct. 18, 2007 when, police said, Tommy Lee Holiday attacked them.

Investigators said they believe Kornegay was trying to help Holiday find a shelter before he stabbed her multiple times. Beasley, 60, spent seven weeks recovering at Pitt Memorial Hospital from 10 stab wounds and was later allowed to go home. She continues to recover at home.

“Debbie’s Fund” will raise money for many of Kornegay’s favorite causes including Meals on Wheels and the arts.

Bobby Kornegay hasn’t spoken publicly since his wife’s murder, but said he wanted to give a voice to the fund.

“It was just not her nature to want and seek attention, but it would make her infinitely happy to know that these opportunities will allow other people to give in her name and memory,” Bobby Kornegay said.

The first fundraiser for the fund will be an art sale.

“Debbie gave the greatest thing, she did not let the risk of helping keep her from helping,” Rev. Scott White. White described Kornegay’s life story as a “parable of service.”