In 1950, her family relocated to Elwood, Indiana, from Jamestown, Indiana, where her father was employed with the Ohio Oil Company. Debby was educated in the Elwood City School District, and graduated in 1964 from Wendell L. Willkie High School.

After graduation, Debby attended night classes at Indiana Business College, and worked in Indianapolis as a secretary in the insurance business. In 1968 she accepted a position as a Sales Agent with Eastern Airlines in Indianapolis, Indiana, and in 1971 was transferred with the airline to Miami, Florida. In 1975 she relocated to Daytona Beach, Florida, where she managed the Eastern Airlines Ticket Office until 1988.

After Debby's service with Eastern Airlines, she accepted a position with NASCAR as an Administrative Assistant to the Chief Pilot from 1989 until 1992. After her employment with NASCAR, she retired to become a full time housewife and volunteer in her community.

She was united in marriage to Charles Patrick Donahue on November 17, 1984. Debby and Pat reside today in Ormond Beach, Florida, where Pat is an Associate Professor of Aeronautical Science at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.