Deborah Dowd Wimberly

Bennettsville, SC

Deborah Dowd Wimberly, 66, passed away peacefully on January 13, 2023 at McLeod Regional Hospital, in Florence, South Carolina.

She was born on August 28, 1956 to the late Donald Maurer Dowd and the late Elizabeth Ann Brown in Manhasset, New York.

Deborah received a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and master’s degree in Education Leadership, both from the University of Florida.

Passionate about learning, Deborah served in education her entire life; including roles as an elementary school teacher, Library Media Specialist, Principal, Executive Director of Technology, Director of Federal Programs, and Director of Student Information and Special Projects.

Deborah’s enthusiasm for her community was evident by her active participation and leadership in the Rotary Club of Bennettsville, the Marion Rotary Club, the Marlboro County Chamber of Commerce, Delta Kappa Gamma Society for Women educators, and as a past member of the Marlboro Players theatre troupe. Deborah was also a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bennettsville.

A fervent Florida Gators fan since attending school in Gainesville, the Gamecocks quickly became her second favorite team when Steve Spurrier became coach and she rooted for them whenever they weren’t playing the Gators.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Elizabeth Maurer Dowd and Patricia Maurer Mills, husband of 17 years, Robert Thomas Wimberly, nephew Mike Quick and niece Terri Quick.

Deborah is survived by her brother, Don M. (Terry) Dowd, sister-in-law Cathy Wimberly Lynch; step-daughter, Spring (Scott) Gill; nephews, Billy (Celeste) Jackson, Bobby (Sherri) Jackson, Levin Lynch, Kenneth Lynch, Ken Quick, Donald (Amy Jo) Dowd, and David Dowd; nieces, Mary Lynch, Melissa Bledsoe, Claire (Steve) Zakos and Karen Pruitt; grand-nephews, TJ Dowd, Eric Dowd, and Jack Dowd; grandniece Kelly (Ryan) Pratt, grandniece, Sammy (Aric) Linkins; step-granddaughter, Avery Gill; great-grand-nephew Emmet Pratt, and beloved canine companion, Maggie May.

Deborah will be forever and fondly remembered for her effervescent personality, enthusiasm and encouragement for anything her family and friends were doing, boundless Christmas spirit, and infectious positivity. Deborah was always a classy lady with an unparalleled zest for life.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at Sunset Memorial Park with music by Dr. Mark Bunch and memorial oration by Bobby Jackson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Deborah’s name to: American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704 Hagerstown, MD. 21741 or Humane Society of Marlboro County 2 Ag Street Bennettsville, SC 29512.

On-line condolences may be made to www.bfhbennettsville.com.

Burroughs Funeral Home is honored to assist the family of Deborah Dowd Wimberly.