Age 74, Luray, Va.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Deborah “Debbie” Joy Dodson McDonough, 74, of Luray, Virginia, on December 27, 2025.
Debbie was a loving mother, gigi, sister and was a remarkable woman and friend.
Debbie was born on April 2, 1951, in Winchester, Virginia, to the late Ray Mitchell Dodson and Ona Lee Bageant Dodson.
She graduated from Luray High School in 1969. On May 9, 1980, she married the late Earl “Butch” Kenneth McDonough Jr.
Debbie is survived by her children, Joy Anne McDonough Proffitt of Luray, Virginia, and Jason Kenneth (Brandy) McDonough of Luray, Virginia; her stepchildren, Kenneth M. (Lynda) McDonough and Robert E. McDonough, both of Maryland; her grandchildren, Trenton “TJ” (Sarah) McDonough, Kinsley Grace McDonough, Samantha (William) King, Karrah Proffitt, Arrianna Proffitt, Dakota Foster, Logan Rangel, and Mason Stoneburger, all of Luray, Virginia, Kateland McDonough, Wyatt Jenkins, Wyatt McDonough, Dakota Jenkins, Lindsey Wilson, Dalton Wilson, Cheyenne Wilson, Waylon Wilson, Nathaniel Sutherland, Colt McDonough, Justin McDonough, Hailey McDonough and Hayden McDonough, all of Maryland; her great-grandchildren, Hudson Grant McDonough of Luray, Virginia, Sayde Gray, Cason Gray of Luray, Virginia, Brentley Foster and Kaiden Foster of Luray, Virginia; her siblings, Patricia Temple, Benjamin (Brenda) Dodson, and Lisa Whiteside, all of Luray, Virginia, and Edward (Sandy) Dodson, MD, of Delaware, Ohio.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray Mitchell Dodson (March 12, 2009) and Ona Lee Bageant Dodson (February 23, 1968); her stepmother, Sybil Weakley Dodson (November 9, 2024); her husband, Earl “Butch” Kenneth McDonough Jr. (October 9, 1994); and her son-in-law, Thomas “Tommy” Cameron Proffitt (December 3, 2025).
Debbie was a long-time member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Laureate Epsilon Chapter.
She believed every book offered a journey with tales from epic fantasies to poignant histories, each spine holding a treasured memory. With a passion for reading, she loved volunteering at William “Bill” Kibler Memorial Library in Stanley, Virginia, and retired from Page Public Library in Luray, Virginia, as a librarian of 25 years.
Debbie was known for her warm and caring personality. She had a generous heart, always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. She was known as mom to many. Her kindness and compassion touched the lives of many people, and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A gathering will be held to remember the life of Deborah McDonough at Stanley United Methodist Church in the Fellowship Hall on January 4, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. All are invited to attend and light refreshments will be served.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the William “Bill” Kibler Memorial Library, P.O. Box 129, Stanley, Virginia 22851.
Arrangements are being handled by The Bradley Funeral Home in Luray, Va.
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