Debra “Debbie” Lynn Goode (Emerson), 68, of Stephenson, VA, passed away on Friday, September 15, 2023, at Winchester Medical Center, after a yearlong battle with cancer.

Debbie was born in 1955 in Lynwood, CA, the daughter of Everette G. Emerson and Mary L. Leidecker. She is survived by her husband, John T. Goode Sr. whom she married on November 19, 1983; sons, Matthew Robertson (Jessica), John Goode, Jr. (Caroline), Michael Goode (Alexandra); grandchildren, Kailyn, Tyson, Charlotte, Avery and Olivia; sister, Donna Norwood; sisters-in-law, Judy, Suzie (Kevin), Nancy, Barbara (Carl), Patti; nieces, Danielle, Natalie, Kristen, Amy, Olivia, Sarah, Maggie, Mary, and Hannah; nephews, Jack, Ryan, Braedon; along with aunts, an uncle , and cousins.

Debbie is preceded in death by her parents; stepfather, Ed; sister, Diane Hall; brother, Daniel Emerson and brother-in-law, Bobby.

After graduating from Clarke County High School, in 1973, Debbie went on to work. She owned and operated A Trunk’s Delight in Stephenson doing antique trunks and furniture restoration, worked as an embroidery manager, a file clerk at Cives Steel Company and a salesperson at The Plantation Country Store. During her career, she also served on the Board of Directors at Winchester Day Nursery and Frederick County American Little League as treasurer and coach, and was a member of the Stonewall District Ruritan. For several years, Debbie volunteered as an usher at the Little League World Series where she changed the dress code to allow ushers to wear shorts and designed a commemorative pin “First in Shorts” for trading at the pin shows.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed sharing her antique restoration knowledge, fishing, riding horses, hosting parties, cooking for her family, tailgating at VMI, and traveling. She had many hobbies which included antiquing with John, her China-head doll collection (babydolls), breeding and raising dogs, and selling her “Goodeboyz” t-shirts. She loved music, dancing, home decorating (especially at Christmas time), vacationing at Rodanthe beach, chaperoning her boys’ school events, including being the ice-cream lady. Her days were best when she was outside spending time by her pool , gardening fresh vegetables and many types of plants and flowers and watching the many animals that would find their way into her yard. In the evening, she enjoyed talking on the phone with her friend Denise and watching, The Andy Griffith Show, Westerns, Fox News, American Idol, or AGT.

Debbie was a kind, caring, fun, beautiful soul who was generous of herself and her time. She was strong minded and not afraid to speak her mind and let you know exactly where she stood on any given topic, she could be a bit feisty. Debbie had endless energy and gave her all in everything she did. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and neighbor. Debbie loved receiving Friday flowers from John for “His Babydoll”. Her greatest love and joy was surrounding herself with family, friends and especially her three boys, who she was most proud of.

A visitation will be held for Debbie on Friday, September 29, 2023 from 6pm to 8pm with a service the following day, Saturday, September 30, 2023 at 11am all held at Omps Funeral Home, South Chapel. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Stonewall District Ruritan in Clear Brook, VA following, the funeral service at 1pm. Officiating will be Reverend C. Steve Melester