Deborah "Debbie" Lynn Thompson, 70, passed away June 13, 2025, unexpectedly but peacefully in her sleep at her home in Wintersville, Ohio, that she shared with her best friend of 40 years, Sandy Bonitati, and nephew Shane Stojack.

She was born March 24, 1955, in East Liverpool, Ohio, to Joseph Jean Thompson and Sarah (Pinkerton) Thompson.

She was preceded in death by her biological parents as well as her foster parents, Ray and Judy Mansel of East Palestine, Ohio; her brother, John Joseph Andrews; and her one sister, not of blood, but of love, Debbie Fullen.

My mom had a very uncertain childhood, living in foster care from age 9 until she aged out. Until Ray and Judy took her in, she never knew what stability was. That molded her into the strongest woman with the softest heart. For years, she ached for the siblings that were quite literally ripped from her arms. She survived that ache by collecting the family she chose, not what she was given, but the ache was always there. After 26 years, most were reunited and the rest of the reunions followed. Her siblings were finally back together as they should have always been. After graduating from East Palestine High School in 1973, she ventured down the river in search of her family she had last seen there. In her travels to the Ohio Valley, she met arguably the love of her life, my father, James 'Butch" McCarroll and then came me (who she would argue was the actual love of her life.) As a single mother, she put herself through nursing school and passed her boards in 1982. As a nurse and in life, she left an imprint on the heart of anyone she came in contact with. She was on staff with Jefferson County Department of Developmentally Disabled for 46 years up until the day of her passing. On the side, she did private duty nursing, hospice work, and worked with victims of sex trafficking. She also volunteered for the Red Cross and taught CPR to anyone willing to learn.

She was a child of Christ and took that kindness everywhere she went. Holding firm in her faith everyone had a seat at her table. No matter their life choices, color of their skin, or who they loved. She didn't judge, didn't use her faith to make anyone feel "less than." She loved big and if you were graced by her love, you were better for it. Her love in its purest form belonged to her grandkids, but know, if she loved you for her entire life. A void is now left where she once stood. She will forever be missed and never forgotten. She was our home.

She is survived by one daughter, Samantha Jo Cook (Robert Smith); her two grandchildren, my greatest gift to her, Mckennah Mars Ellyn Cook and Xander Charles Mazik; two step grandkids, Caleb Michael Cook and Jensen Rose (Rodney) Tedrow; her 6 sisters, Maryanne Tingler, Lisa (John) Stojack, Linda (Bobby) Paluscsak, Sandra Vild, Loretta Thompson-Falkner, and Melissa Thompson; her many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews that she loved very much; and the family she wasn't born to, but claimed as her own, Harold, Nancy, and the entire Cook family, Dave (Stephanie) Cook, Krissy Vandyke (Matt Henderson), Michael Mazik, Leanne Starr, Vicki (Curt) Barr, Ann (Bob) Wright, Skylynn (Nick) Wright, Raven Wright, and Aidan Wright. Her life was full because of all of you.

There will be no services at the request of my mom. In lieu of flowers, you may send donations to the American Red Cross, Autism Awareness, or any Pro-LGBTQT organizations in her name. She loved books so any library as well.