Born November 15, 1947 in Campbell County, she was the daughter of the late Richard Board Mason and Julia Jones Mason. She was a member of St. Victoria Catholic Church and was head of the music. Latin Club, Hi-Y, and the MGA team were the three organizations that she sponsored during her tenure at Altavista High School. With these groups, she went out into the world to help with social reform and to aid the suffering. Among the organizations Deborah and her students assisted were the American Red Cross Tsunami Relief, raising money for victims; DAWN; Habitat for Humanities and Katrina Relief . As an expression of her devotion to the Latin language she was a Chair of the Virginia Classical League and also worked with the National Classical League. Deborah was a board member of the Virginia YMCA and was honored with its Outstanding Service Award in 1991. During her 22 years as a Latin teacher at Altavista High School, she was chosen Teacher of the Year in 1994, and the Central Virginia Governor's School chose her as Outstanding Educator in 1995. She is survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews; all of the young people whose lives and hearts she touched; a very dear friend, Bettye Hoover; and a host of friends.

A Celebration of Life service was held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 15, 2006, at St. Victoria Catholic Church by the Father Jim Gallagher and the Father Robert J. McEleney. Interment followed at Green Hill Cemetery.

Memorials: The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials consider St. Victoria Catholic Church, 305 Victoria Drive, Hurt, VA 24563 or the Deborah Mason Scholarship Fund, c/o Altavista High School, 904 Bedford Ave., Altavista VA 24517.