Deborah Jean Jennings

Debbie was born on December 14, 1960 to the late Walter Carrington Mays, Jr & Hazel Jean (Brooks) Wright. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Michael Staton, Sr. & grandson, Michael (MJ/Mikey) Staton, Jr., and her boyfriend, James (Jay) Self.

Debbie worked at Hardee's in Madison Heights, where she formed many lifelong friendships, then made a career change to banking. She worked at Suntrust, BB&T, First National of Altavista, and then Bank of the James in Madison Heights, where she was employed for about 15 years. She enjoyed serving her community and so many knew her for her sweet disposition and her beautiful smile.

She was an entertainment enthusiast. She loved going to the movies, watching her favorite tv shows, and listening to music. She had very eclectic taste and could enjoy anything from rom-coms to horror movies and from gospel to classic rock. Her trivia knowledge was out of this world, which she passed down to her children and grandchildren. She was lighthearted and enjoyed good humor. Her laugh will be surely missed by those closest to her along with her almost immediate response of “embarrassing” and “UHH” when humor got a little off-color.

Although she had a passion for the arts, her family & friends were her heart and the source of her greatest joy, especially her grandchildren. The deep love she poured upon them all will live in their hearts forever.

There is so much that can be said about Debbie, like how she was absolutely beautiful inside and out, selfless, caring, intelligent, strong, an overcomer, and she would humbly explain that her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was the reason for it all. She was saved in March 1988 and baptized in 1989. Debbie’s faith was unwavering though all the ups and downs life threw at her even ‘til the end. She was a true believer that exhibited all the fruits of the spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Those left to cherish her memory are her brother - Wayne Mays, and his wife (her lifelong friend) Denise, 3 half-siblings - James Mays, Tammy Bryant, & Chris Mays. Her daughter - Jessica Austin, and her husband Chris, daughter-in-love Carrie Staton, and step-son Joel Wooldridge. Her precious grandchildren - Aaliyah Staton (Eli), Colton Burks, Cherish Burks, Ryver Staton, Gunner Staton, Trinity & Calvin Wooldridge, Elizabeth & Elijah Austin, her niece - Heather Mays (Jacob), and her dearest forever friend - Michael Keatts, along with a number of other family and friends.

There will be a celebration of Deborah's life on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 11am at Monroe Church of God, with a committal to follow at the church cemetery. The family will receive friends the night prior from 6-8pm at Whitten Monelison Chapel.

Flowers are beautiful but not the only option to offer condolences. The family invites everyone to share a special memory of Debbie, a song dedication, a picture, or just a sweet note.