Debra Kay Cook, 72, of Kopperston, WV passed away peacefully Friday, October 23, 2026 at her home. She was born in Paintsville, KY on November 21, 1952, the daughter of the late Harry Franklin and Florine Meade Cook. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother Harry Dale Cook, sister-in-law Elizabeth “Mousie” Daniels, and her nephew Darrell Cook. Those left to cherish her memory include her niece Holly J Collins and husband AB, her nephew Jeff Cook, and her great nephews Aiden and Noah. Her cousin who was more like a sister, Betsy Browning, her special cousin Carol Muscari who faithfully brought her sweets and chicken pot pie. Debra Kay graduated from Oceana High School in 1970 and then attended Beckley Beauty Academy. She worked several years at Wanda’s Beauty Salon in Oceana. She attended Concord College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Language Arts and taught for years at Oceana Middle School and Oceana High School. She graduated from Marshall University with a Master’s Degree in Vocational Technical Education. She spent time studying abroad in London, England at Reading University as an exchange student. Her interest in special needs children lead her to attend the University of Maryland to obtain her Masters in Hearing Impaired Education. She was a certified American Sign Language Signer and worked with hearing impaired children at the Romney School for the Deaf and Blind. She taught for several WV Colleges throughout her career at both undergraduate and graduate levels. She worked for the Wyoming County Board of Education until her retirement in 2018. She had strong ties and commitment to both Education and Wyoming County Community. She worked for many years with the OHS Alumni Association, the Scholarship foundation, and served as a member of the Wyoming County Health Board. Debra Kay was a world traveler. Her first trip in 2001 to Egypt was her springboard to traveling to 6 continents. She traveled the world and left a multitude of friends everywhere she went. Her “tour guide” Carol Bradley of Charlotte, NC has a multitude of memories after traveling for 20+ years with her. She was always ready to grab her passport, pack a bag and go. Her home was beautifully decorated with all her souvenirs from her travels. The family would like to thank Liz Ragan, her faithful and dependable caregiver who was loved by Debra Kay, respected by her family, and will forever be appreciated for the years she devoted to her care. The family also would like to thank JB Cook, her long-time friend who devoted daily time providing her food, companionship, and taking care of her beloved cat, Nugget. The family will remain grateful for the time he devoted. Other caregivers that provided wonderful care for Debra include, Angela Cline, Britney Cline, her hospice workers Amy and Stephanie, Dena Spence, and Mary Penney. The family also appreciates those people who took time to stop and say hello. At Debra Kay’s request, she did not want a traditional service. She wanted her friends to get together with a cup of coffee and talk about her and celebrate her life. In keeping with her wishes, there will be a Celebration of her life held from 12-2pm, Friday, October 30th at One Voice in Oceana, WV. She will be remembered by her love of life, great laughter, positive attitude, and her ability to always have something to laugh about. Her “cackle” laughter will be in our hearts forever. She will be laid to rest at Palm Memorial Gardens, Matheny, WV. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Hospice of Southern West Virginia. P.O. Box 1472. Beckley, WV 25802-1472. The family is being served by the Stafford Family Funeral Home, Lynco, WV.