Debra Williamson

--- Page 1 --- Celebrating The Life Of Wake 10:00am Debra Williamson Sunrise July 5, 1956 Sunset March 13, 2018 Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Apostolic Faith Church 3823 South Indiana Chicago, IL 60653 Bishop Clifton Howard Jr., Officiating Bishop Horace E. Smith, M.D., Pastor Funeral 11:00am --- Page 2 --- obituary Debra Williamson was born July 5, 1956 in Chicago, IL to Raymond Twyman and Geneva Williamson, she was the sixth of eight children. In 1978 she married Roy Lonnie Howell Sr. and three beautiful children were born during that union, Roy Jr., Tracy, and Timothy. While visiting family in Michigan, Debra attended New Grace Apostolic Church in Ann Arbor, MI and was baptized and filed with the Holy Spirit on April 10, 1977. Once home she joined the Apostolic Faith Church under the late Bishop John Silas Holly. Debra was a member of the young adult choir where she sang as a tenor, gave rousing testimonies and she learned to worship to charge the atmosphere for Christ. She was very studious in her faith, as she continued to grow in Christ she later joined Grace Apostolic Faith Church under the leadership of the late Suffrage Bishop Cornelius Southern. Her love for children lead her to become a Sunday School Teacher. In 2002, she moved to Minneapolis, MN where she became a member of Open Door Evangelistic World Ministries, there she served as an intercessor and she was also a part of the transportation ministry. Debra then made her church home at The Wells at 7" Street in Minneapolis, MN under the leadership of Pastor Terry Farrand, where she continued to show her selfless acts of love and kindness. Debra received her diploma in Electrical Maintenance from Coyne American Institute in Chicago, IL. As she continued seeking excellence, she received a certificate of achievements in High Honors and Perfect Attendance. She also received her certification in Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED from the American Red Cross, Minneapolis, MN. In 2015 Debra attended Minneapolis Community and Tech College in pursuit of her degree as a Community Health Care Worker. There she did her work study as an Orientation Representative from 2015 - 2016. She was a member of Toastmasters International, MN, where she learned to become a better public speaker and leader. Debra earned her CDL driver's license and was a professional driver for over 20 years. She was employed by Laidlaw Transit, First Student School Company, Jefferson Line, and GCA Service Group. Debra had a strong belief when it came to the academic success of our youth. She displayed this while being employed as a Mathematics Tutor for AmeriCorps at Sojourner Truth Academy, Minneapolis, MN. Debra didn't let the grass grow under her feet. She was devoted and passionate in her commitment to give back to the community as she served as a community activist and volunteer. At Lowry Tower she worked as Resident President and was a part of Project Lookout. She became the President of the Mom's Division of Minneapolis Mad Dads, during her time there she volunteered as a Call Center Representative, Summer Camp Counselor and Bus Driver. MAD DADS is an acronym: Men Against Destruction, Defending Against Drugs and Social Disorder, which is an organization that provides positive male role models as leaders within local neighborhoods, to address the issues of drugs, gangs and violence. Many knew Debra for her beautiful vibrant smile and unconditional love that she had for her family and friends, with whom she enjoyed spending time playing board games, pool and arcade games. Debra had many hobbies and activities that she excelled in such as: drawing, writing poetry, and reading. She also possessed many athletic capabilities in both her youth and adulthood. She played football, baseball and hockey in her youth and was a point guard on her college basketball team. She enjoyed roller-skating and was a member of a bowling league, the list goes on, "you name it she played it". Later she enjoyed riding her bike with the Black Girls Do Bike a community of women of color who share a passion for cycling, Minneapolis, MN. Debra was preceded in death by her parents Raymond Twyman and Geneva Williamson, two brothers, Earl Williamson and Michael Williamson and one sister Opal Wilder. Debra leaves to cherish her two sons, Roy Lonnie Howell Jr., Timothy James Howell and one daughter, Tracy Lorraine Howell. Her Granddaughters, Tayla Chanel Lewis, and Camryn Noelle Howell. Three sisters, Patricia Bolden, Bernadette Hackman (Abram), Gail Stewart and, one brother Raymond Williamson (Nicole). A host of nieces, nephews, cousins and very close friends. --- Page 3 --- If it could be played, She played it! --- Page 4 --- Master of Ceremony Scripture Prayer Musical Selection Remarks (2-3 mins.) Acknowledgments Obituary Musical Selection Eulogy Reviewal Recessional Benediction order of Service Elder Craig Howard Maxine Marshall Elder Chilton Howard Sr. Calvin White Jr. V. J. Smith (video presentation) Isie Madden Raymond Wilhamson Tayla Lewis Timothy Howell Brother Jermaine L. Anderson Catherine Moore Evang. Yvonne Ruff Bishop Clifton Howard Jr. Tayla Remembers Grandma 1 miss you so much. Even though you are gone, you are still in my heart along with your children's hearts. I regret not being here with you before you passed. I miss everything about you: your smile, your laughs, and jokes you made and more. I remember you telling me stories from your past memories. I remember the day we called mom to tell her that her car was stolen when we actually forgot where it was parked at the mall. That day, we all laughed until we cried. I remember our family vacation to Florida when you pretended to surf at Universal Studios. I remember when you would make me remember scriptures like: Psalms 23: 1-6 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul: he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever." My grandma was phenomenal, I really enjoyed going to the movies, playing basketball at the park, and playing board games all with her. My grandmother was everything to me, even though she gave her children and I long boring lectures. Now I feel like her long lectures was her way of teaching us lessons even though it made us mad at times. I know she's in God's house and I know he will take care of her for us. Another scripture that she wanted me to know is: John 14: 1-3 "Do not let your heart be troubled: You believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms: if that were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me; that you also may be where I am." Grandma, I love you, and you will never be forgotten. --- Page 5 --- Pallbearers William Bolden Jr. Terrance Hayes Brian Hoover Alex Peters Damain Daily Harold Williamson Honorary Pallbearers Roy Howell Jr. Roy Howell Sr. Timothy Howell V. J. Smith Calvin White Raymond Williamson Mother's Day Written by Debra Williamson Mothers should be celebrated every day Kind words, kind deeds, they go a long way You are what we need, especially today You hit our hearts, make us shine You give us hope in these dark times I celebrate you today because this is my way Thank you mom, for coming to town Spreading your Love all around Acknowledgment The family of Debra Williamson would like to thank all of you who have shared our great loss. By your great display of the Father's love through all of your calls, emails, texts, likes, posts, visits, prayers, hugs, memories and conversations. It has helped to strengthen and encourage us. We appreciate each and every one of you. We love her dearly and miss her tremendously. But we find comfort in knowing that she is happy and she left us peacefully. Arrangements were entrusted to Taylor Funeral Home 63 East 79" Street Chicago, IL 60619 Phone: 773-488-7300 Cedar Park Cemetery 123™ and Halsted, Chicago, IL