Deborah Ann (Thomas) Anderson

July 1, 1953 ~ May 5, 2024 70 Years Old

Deborah Ann Thomas, 70 transitioned from life on earth to her everlasting home with her Lord on May 5, 2024, at her residence in Mishawaka, IN.

The child of Henrietta Thomas, Deborah was born in South Bend, IN on July 1, 1953. She was raised in South Bend and attended Riley High School. Later, as a single, working, mother of five children, she graduated from Ivy Technical College. She obtained an Associate’s Degree in Accounting, becoming the first person in her family to ever earn a college degree. Deborah was a deep believer in God and was a member of several churches in the different cities where she resided throughout her life. Deborah was a fiercely devoted wife, daughter, sister, mother and grandmother. She loved, taught, and nurtured everyone she accepted into her life. Deborah was beautiful both inside and outside, with a courageous spirit, a brilliant mind and a loyal heart beneath a beautiful smile. She had a contagious laugh and an artistic sense of style that added beauty to everything that she touched. Deborah loved family events, her houseplants (as if they were her children), comedy, music, decorating, gardening, and cooking. She also had a fondness for Family Feud and did not want to be disturbed while watching.

Deborah leaves to cherish her memories, her loving husband Willie J. Beal of South Bend, IN, her five loving children, Kenneth McFadden of South Bend, IN, Dana (Tracy) Hill of Frisco, TX, Toya (Jason) Milton of Crowley, TX, Dea Lott of Hyattsville, MD, and Claudesha Anderson of Indianapolis, IN. Her family line continues through nine grandchildren whom she adored and who also adored their “Gansty.” Laketta McFadden of South Euclid, OH, Kenneth McFadden, Jr. of South Bend, IN, Damesha (Darrius) Cohen of Savannah, TX, Deante Womack of Fort Worth, TX, Azea Sharp of Hyattsville, MD, Rodney Jones, Jr., Reanté Jones, Rylee Braxton and Desmond Stokes, Jr. all of Indianapolis, IN, nine great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Three brothers Jeffrey (Eloise) Thomas of South Bend, IN, Steve (Bernita) Gavin of Batesville, MS and Michael Thomas of Minneapolis, MN. Six sisters Blanche (Ronald), Luttra Lewis both of Olathe, KS, Veronica Stanifer, Linda Brazier, Brenda Brazier, Angela (Roosevelt) Curtis all of Minneapolis, MN. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends that loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Henrietta Thomas, her aunt Elvira Burns and her brother, Jerome Cockrell. Please join us as we honor Deborah's life at her Homegoing Celebration on Monday, May 13, 2024. Viewing at 11 am. Service starting at 12:00pm EDT at the Olivet AME Church, 719 North Notre Dame Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, 46617. We encourage everyone to share their memories of Deborah and upload photos to the memorial page, a space that allows us to remember and celebrate her life together. After all, Deborah's life was not just about the dates of her birth and passing, but about the life lived in between, filled with love, laughter, and a legacy that will continue to inspire and uplift all that knew her.

5/09/2024 djb

https://www.alfordsmortuaryinc.com/obituary/Deborah-Anderson