Deborah Ann Harner

Deborah Ann Harner, 77 of Wytheville, passed away on Friday, August 28, 2026 at Holston Health and Rehab. Ms. Harner was born in Tazewell County, Virginia to the late Neil and Andrea Penland Harner. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by a son, John Horton.

Debby devoted her life to family and was known for her generosity, unwavering love, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. Her house was the backdrop for countless memories, traditions, and celebrations, serving as the heart of our family. 

True to her vibrant spirit, Debby did not just live life; she conquered it. She was our family’s ultimate adventurer, a woman who looked at the horizon and always asked, “What’s next?” Her courage was legendary, perhaps best defined by her thrilling skydive, where she fearlessly leaped from an airplane to feel the rush of freedom. 

Whether she was trying bold new activities or teaching her grandchildren that age is just a number, she approached every day with infectious enthusiasm and an open heart. She showed us how to live without fear and love without limits.

Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Ken Horton (Tammy) of Hillsville and Eric Horton (Drea) of Columbia, SC; daughter-in-law, Wanda Horton; brother and sister-in-law, Pat Harner (Brenda) of Fancy Gap; grandchildren, Tyler Horton (Keiana) of Utah, Kaitlyn Smith (John) of Hillsville, Hannah Willard (Cristian) of Austinville, Brandi Pruitt (Justin Spraker) of Cripple Creek, Emma Horton (Cambren Brown) of Wytheville, Dominique Shepherd of South Carolina, Taylor Moore (Jason) of Florida, Grant Horton of Texas and E.J. Horton of South Carolina; and four great-grandchildren, Jensen, Braelyn, Kiersten, and Phoenix.

There will be no services at this time. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.