Deborah Ann Williams

Deborah Ann Williams was born on October 18, 1955, to her mother, Delores Carolyn Jean Goober in South Bend, Indiana. She was raised by her grandmother, Mama Lue Williams. Deborah slept her way into Heaven on September 20, 2022.  

Deborah was known as, Debbie, she was a woman of God who dedicated her life to God’s ministry and her family. Her amusing charisma of dressing up as humorous characters to bring laughter and fun; you could always count on Debbie to bring excitement to the family gatherings. Family was everything and she continued the family value of biblical ways to Heaven. 

Debbie started her ministry of singing and playing the lead guitar along with her grandmother and sisters as a young teenager. She was a lifetime member of Mama Lue and the Exciting Avent Singers out of Buffalo, NY. She was known as thee “Baddest Picking Keys” of her Lead Guitar. As a traveling Gospel Quartet Group, she was blessed to travel the world and sing praises unto God. She played along with Willie Neal and the Gospel Keynotes, Shirley Caesar, Williams Brothers, Mighty Clouds of Joy, Sandy Foster and the Five Blind Boys, and many more.

Debbie leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life, three daughters: Lue Chanel Williams (MI) Teresa Kay Williams (NY) Brena Natasha Williams (MI). Godchildren; Willie Steele (NY) Seth Meeks (NY) and Deborah Meeks (MI). Her grandchildren; Joseph Isom, Nia Williams, Rashawn Williams, Devin Perry, and Chelsea Huddleston; Shaquita Williams, Shanice Williams, Marvel Williams, and Markell Williams; Jabar Ellis, Markena Curtis, Marsha Curtis, Breona Curtis, Mark Curtis Jr, Mario Curtis, Brena Curtis, Markayla Curtis, Marshawn Curtis, and Josiah Gibbs; Gianni Steele and Olivia Hudson, and 41 great-grandchildren. Her sisters, Brenda Williams (OH), Denise Newson (IN), and only brother, Ernest Williams (OH), Honorable Sister, Jacqueline Gerald (NY), and Special Friend, Glenda Taylor (MD). Host of nieces, nephews, and close friends. 

Debbie moved to Benton Harbor, MI, and started her career in construction for many years throughout the city helping to build Benton Harbor Dollar Ride, Benton Harbor Housing Commission and Benton Township. Deborah was blessed to continue her ministry in song and playing the lead guitar with a host of many Musicians in Benton Harbor Michigan and South Bend, IN.  
Debbie became a member in 2008 at Ark of the Covenant COGIC under the leadership of Pastor Roy C. Askew.  Devoting her time with the Ministry of Music, Mothers Board, and numerous boards in the church. Humble and gracefully, Debbie received her baptism in 2021 at the Harbor of Hope Church under the leadership of Pastor Taurus Montgomery. 
Love for her family and close friends sustained her, but most importantly, she often shared that her greatest purpose in life was being a good Mother. Debbie loved to sing her song that she wrote and produced, “Don’t Give Up” and played her guitar until God called her home. 

Preceding in death is her mother, Delores Goober, her grandmother Mama Lue Williams, her sister, Kay Brady, her great-grandson Jahmir Curtis, and her Honorable brother Otis Fletcher. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deborah Ann Williams, please visit our floral store.