Deborah Often

Debbie was born in Raleigh, North Carolina on July 15, 1955, daughter of the late Fred Baird Lynch, II and Jean Long Lynch. She was raised in Henderson, NC and was the oldest of 4 children. She enjoyed sharing many stories about growing up with her three brothers Fred Baird III “FB”, Anthony “Craig”, and Lynwood “Todd”. She graduated from Henderson High School in 1973. She met the love of her life, James “Preston” Often, a career medic in the United States Army, and the two were married on December 21, 1975. From there, their adventures began and they enjoyed various duty stations in Georgia, North Carolina, Hawaii, and Texas, before finally retiring in San Antonio. Debbie and Preston were married for almost 48 wonderful years and have two children, Johnny (Felicia) Often of Virgilina, NC, and Candace (Robert) Gutmann, of Cibolo, TX.

Debbie worked for many years in civil service as a hotel desk clerk and medical receptionist, but the job she loved the most was that of grandmother and great-grandmother. She was affectionately known as “Grammy” to her 8 grandchildren; Johnny’s children: Payton (Jacob), Paige (Nick), Kaitlyn (Shane), and Brooke (Derrick) and Candace’s children: Stratton, Noelle, Farryn, and a baby girl, Brigitte, to be born this Fall. Debbie’s 10 great-grandchildren are as follows: Preston, Jade, Blakely, Layla, Brynlee, Brett, Chloe, Sophia, Brynlee, and a baby girl to be born in January 2024.

Debbie is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Lynwood Todd Lynch, and nephew Christopher Todd Lynch.Debbie is also survived by countless friends all over the world, who she considered her family as well. She always thought of others before herself and never forgot an important occasion; she was known for sending a greeting card for every single birthday and holiday. She will be greatly missed and remembered fondly for her kindness, generosity, and caring spirit.

Services for Debbie will take place on August 30, 2023 at Porter Loring Mortuaries North, 2102 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX 78232. Visitation will be at 12pm with service immediately following at 1pm. Her family encourages guests to wear bright and cheerful colors in lieu of black.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages that you make a donation to a charitable organization of your choosing in Debbie’s honor.