Deborah Ann Thompson, 67, of Inwood, WV passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024, with her loving husband and sons by her side.
Those fortunate enough to be close to her knew her as Debbie, but those luckiest of all knew her as Wife, Mom, and Gamaw. She was born in Washington, DC on March 12, 1957, to Beverly Utterback and the late Raymond Utterback, Sr. Debbie spent her youth in Lovettsville, VA, graduating from Loudoun Valley High School in the class of 1975 and later relocated to Charles Town, WV where she and her husband of 50 years, Preston, raised their three sons.
Debbie was known for her love and dedication to her family, her faith, children’s education, music, arts, and baking. She was a steadfast and caring mother and grandmother who gathered the most joy out of being with her babies. Even when they grew too big to hold close, she cherished just spending time together. Much of that time was spent learning and developing their Christian faith because her greatest hope for each of her boys was that they follow the Lord.
Debbie’s hope extended beyond just her boys and to all children that they may grow and develop into thriving adults with a strong Christian foundation. This is no more evident than in her over 30 years spent teaching and leading preschools. From starting at Mother Goose preschool to retiring from Oakland Christian Preschool, which was instrumental in the formation, Debbie worked lovingly and tirelessly ensuring that children had a firm Christian and educational base on which to succeed.
In addition to running the preschool, Debbie was a long-time member of Oakland United Methodist Church, where she often shared her love of music and arts by singing at church events, delivering sermons, or even playing with the worship team. Recently, she and Preston attended Baker Heights Baptist Church in Martinsburg, WV where Debbie loved to interact with the Women’s worship groups and even bring gummy bears to the children at the Sunday service.
In her spare time, Debbie loved to bake. Whenever the opportunity presented itself, Debbie would make anything requested, but loved it most during Christmas. She baked for weeks (often with her sister-in-law Mel) to share her cookies and candies with her loved ones.
She will be lovingly missed by all.
Debbie is survived by her beloved husband, Preston Thompson, her sons Jeff Thompson and wife Shelly of Inwood, WV, Joe Thompson of Martinsburg, WV, Chris Thompson and wife Katie of Charles Town, WV. Six grandchildren, Sarah (Brandon) Bates, Adam (Ali) Estes, Hannah Thompson, Caleb Thompson, Holly Thompson, and Will Thompson, two great grandchildren, Quinn Bates and Beckham Bates, her mother Beverly Utterback, sister, Sandy Sadaka, brother, Raymond Utterback, Jr., and numerous other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father Raymond Virgil Utterback, Sr, and two brothers Tim Utterback and David Utterback
A memorial service will be held on July 27, 2024, at 1pm at Baker Heights Baptist Church.
Condolences can be sent to www.RosedaleFuneral.com
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