01/13/2026
Debra Ann (Blizzard) Donaldson was born on July 15, 1957, in St. Albans, West Virginia to Russell Quinton Blizzard and Martha Ann (Shaffer) Blizzard. She was raised among the rolling hills of Sistersville, West Virginia. Those early years shaped her love for creation, adventure, and wonder—roots that never left her. She attended primary school in Sisterville and then graduated from Sistersville High School.
She enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1975 upon completion of her high school education. During her time in the United States Air Force, she was introduced to the Apostolic faith by her father in the Lord, Mr. Raymond Hite. She went on to attend Apostolic Bible Institute, where she served as a class officer and graduated with a Bachelor of Theology in Apostolic Studies, receiving honors for service, character, and academic excellence. She later attended Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois, and received her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education.
She married Steven Crane Donaldson on her 26th birthday on July 15, 1983. Steve and Debbie pastored for several years in Abingdon, IL, and then labored in various capacities until they moved to Bloomington, IL and faithfully supported their beloved Pastor, Rev. E.D. Breithaupt for 9 years. They became Pastor of The Pentecostals of Marshall (formerly Truth Tabernacle) in Marshall, IL in 2000 and spent the majority of their ministry growing a thriving church until their move to role of ‘Bishop’ in 2020. Under their leadership, the sustained growth of the church necessitated the construction of a new facility. They built a new building in 2007. Sis. Donaldson was the heart of the building project, carefully and scrupulously designing, decorating, and praying over the new building. She was known for saying the church was her ‘favorite place in the world’.
She was beloved by both church and the community for her humility, her consistent prayer, and her commitment to loving people. She was the master of children’s ministry— an excellent teacher, puppeteer, and friend to children. She authored prayer guides, songs, and sermons. She lived what she preached, and delivered the Word with fervor and anointing. She could cook meals for hundreds or for one, never willing that anyone be hungry, unseen, or overlooked. She started a Bible Study in Martinsville, IL that has grown into a second campus for POM— The Pentecostals of Martinsville. She was a devoted student of the Word. She carried a distinct and sacred calling as an intercessor and prayer warrior—an assignment she walked in faithfully throughout her entire life.
She loved her family with deliberate and steadfast devotion, using every opportunity to invest in her husband, her children, and grandchildren. In their 42 years of marriage, Steve and Debbie loved to travel the United States on road trips to National Parks and Monuments. They also traveled many miles across the U.S. on motorcycle rides with dear friends. She raised and educated her children to love God, value family, and love God’s Word. Her home was a place of gathering and grace, where each Sunday a homemade meal was prepared for her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and anyone else she would invite. She delighted most of all in her role as “Marmie” to her 8 grandchildren. Her goal, on any day the weather allowed, was a golf cart ride with the grandbabies— teaching them the names of birds, trees, and leaves. She also diligently helped them learn the Word of God and Apostolic doctrine. She carefully tended the traditions that stitched generations together. She was the quiet architect of belonging—the queen of family time—leaving a legacy of love, faith, and togetherness.
She is survived by her beloved husband of forty-two years, Rev. Steven C. Donaldson; her three children, Brittanie (Rev. Tyler) Bryant, Chelsea (Matthew) Turner, and Rev. Judah (Whitney) Donaldson; and 8 grandchildren— Jackson Turner, William Turner, Franklin Turner, Georgeon Turner, Tucker Donaldson, Elsie Donaldson, Aspen Donaldson, and Ivory Katherine ‘IvyKate’ Bryant. She is also survived by her brother, Frederick Blizzard; her sister Tammy (Worden) Rustemeyer, her mother-in-law, Dixie; brother and sister in-law, Rev. Jason and Teri Donaldson; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Martha Ann Blizzard. Heaven also held a tender (and perhaps rowdy) reunion, as she met six grandchildren who had gone before her.
Services will be held at The Pentecostals of Marshall on Saturday, January 17, 2026. Public Viewing is from 9:30 AM to 1 PM CST. The Celebration of Life and Legacy will be at 1:30 PM CST. Graveside Service will immediately follow with military honors rendered. Those wishing to honor her life may consider a memorial gift to The Pentecostals of Marshall, 18885 East National Road, Marshall, IL 62441.
With grateful hearts, the family acknowledges the support of family friend Jeannie Strohm and the compassionate staff of DeBaun Funeral Home of Terre Haute, Indiana.
https://www.debaunfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Debra-Donaldson
