Deborah Jane Spicer

DEBORAH JANE (BAILEY) SPICER 67, of Hurricane, WV passed away on September 26, 2025 after a courageous eleven-year battle with cancer.
Born on August 2, 1958 in Huntington, WV, Debbie was the daughter of Betty Jane Hager Bailey and the late Charles Milton Bailey Jr.. In addition to her father, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Charles David Bailey; and her beloved in-laws: Gertrude A. and Kenneth M. Spicer.
From an early age, Debbie carried a love for learning that shaped her life's work and inspired everyone around her. She graduated from Vinson High School, went on to earn her Bachelor's degree from Marshall University, a Master's from West Virginia College of Graduate Studies, and later a second Master's from West Virginia University. While at Marshall, she was a proud member of Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority, where she built friendships that lasted her lifetime.
Education was not just Debbie's career; it was her calling. She began teaching Exceptional Education at Cheat Lake Elementary, where she was quickly recognized as Monongalia County's Special Education Educator of the Year. Over the years, she served students and families across Putnam County as an Educational Diagnostician, Assistant Principal at Poca Middle School, and as Principal of both Hometown Elementary and Hurricane Town Elementary.
Her vision and leadership left a lasting mark. She was instrumental in bringing Franklin Covey's The Leader in Me program to schools across Putnam County, helping Hurricane Town Elementary achieve the rare designation of a "Lighthouse School." For her tireless commitment to children, she was honored as Putnam County's Administrator of the Year. Even after retirement, Debbie continued her work in education by training teachers in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and tutoring students at local schools.
As dedicated as she was to her work, Debbie's greatest devotion was always to her family. She was fiercely loyal and protective, finding her greatest joy in supporting the people she loved. She poured herself completely into being a daughter, wife, mother, sister, aunt, cousin, and "Nan," and her family always knew they were her highest priority.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. Craig Spicer; sons: Jared (Banks) Spicer of Charlotte, NC, and Chase Spicer of Cornelius, NC; and her granddaughters, Talbot and Sutton Spicer of Charlotte, NC, who lovingly called her "Nan." She is also survived by Cindy (Ryan) Cassell of Pritchard, WV; Christie (Dannie) Crum of Buffalo, WV; Crissy (Larry) Wall of West Frankfort, IL; Sean Spicer of West Frankfort, IL; as well as many cherished aunts, cousins, great-nieces, nephews, and dear friends who became like family.
Debbie's warmth and generosity created a sense of belonging for everyone who knew her. Her home was always open, her table always full. She loved the beach, long days at the lake, Jimmy Buffett music, beautiful flowers and cheering on Marshall Football, but most of all, she loved being surrounded by her family.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Stephen Woolums for his compassionate care, which gave them many more years of memories with Debbie that will be treasured forever.
Friends may visit the family from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday October 3, 2025 at Chapman Funeral Home in Hurricane, WV. Funeral Service for Debbie will be 1 p.m. Saturday October 4, 2025, at Chapman Funeral Home with burial to follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Huntington, WV.
Debbie's legacy will live on through the family she adored, the students she guided, the teachers she inspired, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness, wisdom, and love.
Anyone wishing to leave an online memory may do so by visiting Debbie's tribute page at: www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com.
Chapman Funeral Home 3941 Teays Valley Road Hurricane, WV is honored to serve the Spicer family.