Obituary

Debra Gayle “Debbie” Garnes, age 70, of Charleston, WV, died Friday, July 31, 2026, at Hubbard House in Charleston, WV. She was born June 23, 1956, in Charleston, WV.

Debbie served the state of West Virginia for over 40 years, retiring from the Department of Health and Human Resources in 2021. She was married to ex-husband Clifford Ray Garnes on December 23, 1977, and had two sons, Nathaniel Scott (11 lb. 6 oz.) in 1980, and Christopher Aaron (11 lb. 8 oz.) in 1983. 

Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Ellet “Jack” Osburn. She is survived by her mother, Juindolen Osburn; sons, Nathaniel Garnes and wife Clarissa Smallridge, and Christopher Garnes and wife Emily Lilly; two granddaughters, Lilly and Piper Garnes; one grandson, Griffin Garnes; two sisters, Judy Long and husband John, and Jackie Shaner; three nephews, Zach Garnes and wife Jessica, Mick Shaner, and Jake Shaner and wife Samantha, and one niece, Ashley Long and husband Kevin Pernick.  

Debbie had a wonderful sense of humor and was always the life of the party. We will celebrate those things from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, 1118 Virginia Street East, Charleston, WV.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbrier Street, Charleston, WV 25311, in Debbie’s memory.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.