Debra Horne

Debra Bear Horne, age 68, of Dungannon, VA gained her angel wings May 14, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Debra was born to the late JC and Georgia (Marshall) Bear on December 8, 1956 in Kingsport. She was a 1974 graduate of Sullivan High School and earned an Associate Degree in Computer Science from Northeast State in 1993. She was employed by Eastman, Kingsport for over 16 years. Debra has served the Town of Dungannon as Mayor since 2014. She advocated for education and opportunities for youth, revitalization and conservation, and was a strong voice for Appalachia. The Clinch River Research and Learning Center, Dungannon Town Hall and Square revisions, annual July 4th and Christmas celebrations for the town were just a few of Debra's passion projects. She made many friends, met and worked hard alongside too many wonderful people to name; if you are one of these know your support for her Dungannon and Southwest Virginia projects meant the world to Debra.

In her free time, Debra was an accomplished artist in a variety of mediums - she enjoyed quilting and cross stitch, woodworking, painting, jewelry making and much more. She enjoyed traveling and took a special tour of many Northeast and Western states with her husband, as well as hosting several family trips to the beach; these were the source of many very special memories.

In addition to her parents, Debra was preceded in death by her brother, Terry Bear.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband of 47.5 years, Darrell Horne; daughter Amy Falin (Scott); son Joshua Horne (Desirae); daughter, Sunshine Bourque; grandsons Soloman and Connor Falin, Nicholas and Colten Bourque, Elijah Horne; and niece Rachel Bear. She also leaves behind her special friend and comfort, her dog Sophie.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, May 24, 2024 from 1-3pm at Hamlett Dobson Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport Chapel. A celebration of her life will follow at 3pm with Pastor Ronald Horne officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to join Debra in her final passion project: Constructing the Dungannon Aquatic Center. Donations may be mailed to: Town of Dungannon, P.O. Box 278, 18948 Veterans Memorial Highway, Dungannon VA 24245 with "Debra Horne Aquatic Center" in the Memo.