Deborah Kay Strader, age 73, of French Creek, the Carter Community, passed unexpectedly but peacefully at home on Sunday, September 20, 2026. She was born August 31, 1953, the eldest daughter of the late William “Bill” and Ruth Annabelle (Alfred) Gorrell.
Deborah was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband of 49 years, Allen Kent Strader, whom she missed dearly every day for the past two and a half years.
Mrs. Strader is survived by her children: Jeremy Strader and wife, Marcia, of French Creek, WV, and Casey Frazier and husband, Rob, of Shenandoah Junction, WV; grandchildren: Ryan and Ian Strader and Jordan and Riley James; six sisters: Susie Fetty (Dave) of Alma, WV, Nancy Henthorn (Rodney) of Middlebourne, WV, Tracy Koontz (Gary) of New Martinsville, WV, Lisa Villers (Gary) of Washington, WV, Kate Kincaid (Kerry) of Princeton, TX, and Stacy Roberts (Mike) of Alma, WV; one brother, Bill Gorrell (Marian) of Cumberland, OH; and many nieces and nephews.
Deborah was a dedicated Christian and member of Buckhannon Church of Christ. She loved her family beyond measure, especially her grandsons, Sunshine and Sweet Pea, and cherished every moment spent with loved ones.
She was a 1975 graduate of Glenville State College with a degree in English education, which she put to use in her 30-plus-year career at Buckhannon-Upshur High School, where she left a lasting impression on countless students.
Debby, as she was affectionately known, will be remembered for her kindness and generosity and the love she poured out on her family and friends. Her grandsons would like to add that they love her more than “mostest” and thank her for being the BEST grandma anyone could ask for.
Friends will be received at the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, from 4-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11 a.m. at the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel, with Randall Roy officiating. Interment will follow in the Center Chapel Cemetery.
Online condolences may be extended to the Strader family at www.heavnerandcutright.com. The Strader family has entrusted the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel and Cremation Services with funeral arrangements.
