Deborah Diane Honaker

With most profound regret and sorrow, the family of Deborah Diane Mabe Altizer Honaker announces her peaceful passing on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at her home in Tazewell, following a lengthy illness. She was surrounded by the love of the family she so dearly cherished. Deborah was born in Lebanon, Virginia, on April 5, 1961, to the late Samuel Jack Mabe and Virginia Mae Bowling Mabe. A vibrant, deeply compassionate soul, Deborah spent her life cultivating warmth, laughter, and community. For many years, she was a familiar and welcoming face at the Coal Miners Deli, where she worked as both a manager and a cook. Her culinary talents were legendary—Deborah was an extraordinary cook, and anyone fortunate enough to sit at her table knew that everything she made was infused with love. Beyond her kitchen, Deborah found joy in the simple and beautiful things in life. She possessed a wonderful green thumb and loved tending to her flower gardens, creating intricate pieces through crochet, and unwinding with games on her phone. In her younger days, she was the life of the party, frequently hosting lively cookouts at the lake and playfully besting anyone brave enough to challenge her to a game of horseshoes. Deborah was funny, outgoing, and had a beautiful laugh that could light up any room. She was also famously strong-willed; her family will forever chuckle remembering how stubborn she could be. Above all, Deborah deeply loved the Lord, and her faith anchored her throughout her life's journey. Greeting her in Heaven are her parents; her beloved husband, John Allen Honaker; and her siblings, Linda Dean, Billy Ray Mabe, Johnny James Mabe, and Jackie Mabe. Her joyous, beautiful spirit lives on in those who survive her, including her sons, Scotty Altizer and his wife, Morgan, of Tazewell, VA, and Eric Altizer of Richlands, VA; her daughter of the heart, Amanda Asbury of Tazewell, VA; her very dear friend, Gloria Jean Smith of Tazewell, VA; her sister, Betty White of N. Tazewell, VA; her sister-in-law, Sharon Mabe of Tazewell, VA; her brother, Wendell Mabe of Tazewell, VA; and her nephew, and niece, Michael Dean, Brandy Tester, and her fiercely loved canine companions who brought her immense comfort, Neo, Onyx, and Cass. In respecting Deborah’s explicit wishes, she will be cremated. Her family will carry her memories in their hearts forever, comforted by the profound legacy of love, laughter, and resilience she left behind. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Tazewell, Virginia, oversees arrangements, and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Deborah Diane Honaker

April 5, 1961 - August 19, 2026