Ms. Debra Dugger McCrary

“And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God, for those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 On Wednesday, November 30, 2022, Debra Ruth Dugger McCrary went to be with her Heavenly Father. Those left to mourn her passing are her father, John David “Ham” Dugger, Sr., Johnson City, TN.; son, Mark Edward McCrary, Johnson City; daughter, Kimberly Christine McCrary, Florida; brother, John David Dugger, Jr. (Roberta), Johnson City; sister, Karen Sue Dugger Payne (Henry), Pulaski, VA.; several grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Debra, affectionately known as “Debbie”, was born on Tuesday, October 9, 1956, in Johnson City, Tennessee. She was the youngest of the three children of John David “Ham” Dugger, Sr. and the late Norma Christine Haynes Dugger. She was a granddaughter of the late George W. and Viola Vaught Haynes. She was a proud Haynes descendant of the Historic Tipton-Haynes Site in Johnson City. The slave cabin is a part of the museum, and she was thrilled when the black ancestors were acknowledged and included in events in recent years. Debra was educated in the Johnson City Schools System. While a student at North Junior High School she was a member of Chris’s Twirlettes. She was a 1974 graduate of Science Hill High School and was a member of the marching band and Junior Pro-to Club. She continued her education at Bristol School of Hair Design and Cosmetology in Bristol, Virginia., and following graduation became a Tennessee licensed cosmetologist. She opened her own hair salon on June 13, 1975, which her father built as an addition onto the family home on Fairview Avenue, and it was where she continued to service her many clients until her death. Debra was an active member of Thankful Baptist Church in Johnson City since she was a teenager. She was a member of several organizations within the church. She sang alto joyfully and faithfully with the Thankful Adult, Mass, and Women’s Choirs. She was a member of the Baptist Women’s Association (BWA) and served as an administrator of both the BWA Scholarship Fund and the Birchette Family Achievement Award. She used her talents not only as a beautician within the community but became a caregiver for numerous seniors in the area. She felt as Christ, who taught, “the way you care for the children, widows, elderly, and those in need,” is servitude to Him. She did this graciously and expected nothing in return; whether it was transporting the elders in the community to the monthly “Senior Saints” gatherings, doctor appointments, civic activities, grocery stores or going to the sick and shut-ins to do their hair or attend to their personal needs. She was often the person who made phone calls to those who no longer had relatives nearby and delighted them with humorous conversations but always let them know they were on prayer lists. Her love for her fellowman extended to many children who were sometimes in positions of neglect, and she was the “anonymous angel” to many ensuring that school supplies, clothing, and extras were available. She loved to spoil the children in the congregation with chewing gum and the promise of more if they behaved. Many senior ladies and little girls were treated to “no charge” hair appointments for special occasions by Debra who would simply say, “That’s the thing you are supposed to do.” These acts and many more were “her ministry.” Debra married Eddie McCrary, Sr., on July 4, 1980, at Thankful Baptist Church. She remained a faithful and caring wife through his extended illness until his death in 2017. Although short in physical stature, her contagious laughter and gigantic presence will be missed by so many in the community. She made the world a better place. It is the wish of the family that in lieu of flowers please donate in Debra’s memory to the BWA Scholarship Fund c/o Thankful Baptist Church 1501 E. Watauga Avenue Johnson City, TN., 37601.

Ms. Debra Dugger McCrary

October 9, 1956 - November 30, 2022