Debra Ann Josey, 57, died Thursday, October 5, 2023, at her home. Debra, also affectionately called “Debbie” and “Debs”, was born June 24, 1966, in Sumter, along with her twin sister, Sandra. She was a daughter of the late Manning Josey Jr. and the Rev. Roberta C. Josey, and the biological daughter of the late Ollie Mae Maple Josey. She was a 1984 graduate of Sumter High School. Although she was not currently employed, she previously worked at Rich’s Department Store as well as First Atlanta National in Atlanta, GA. She joined Trinity Baptist Church and later moved her membership to New Fellowship Baptist Church. Debra’s hobbies included listening to gospel music, singing, reading, writing songs and poetry and going to the movies. She was a member of the Ever-Ready Family Club and the Older Adult Ministry at Mechanicsville United Methodist Church. Debra was a caring person who called family and friends regularly to inquire, “How was your day?” She was content when those around her were healthy and happy. Debra loved sending birthday cards and greetings to family and friends. Survivors include: her brother, Bernard Josey of Spartanburg, S. C.; two stepbrothers, Manning Brown, Jr. (Lakima) and William Paul Brown of Sumter, S. C.; two stepsisters, Linda (Roger) Knowles, and Sharon (Reuben) Lawrence, of Marietta, GA.; a special aunt and her son, Cynthia Josey and Kellen Blanding, both of Sumter, S. C.; a special friend, Lillian “Mrs. Lill” Joe; movie partners, Bertha Willis and Kathy Green Mathis; Minister Claudia Harvin, her bible study leader; along with aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends. In accordance with the COVID 19 guidelines, the family is requesting that face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during visitation from 2:00 to 8:00 p. m. at the home of Rev. Roberta C. Josey, 270 Poulas Street, Sumter. Wake services will be 6:00 – 7:00 p. m., Friday in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home, Inc., 821 North Main Street, Sumter. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p. m., Saturday, October 21, 2023 at New Fellowship Baptist Church, 105 South Purdy Street, Sumter, with the Rev. Dale Edward, pastor, Rev. Kenneth Middleton, presiding and Rev. Anna G. Miller, Eulogist. The Remains will be placed in the church at 12:00 noon for viewing until time of the services. The Funeral procession will leave the home at 12:30 p. m. Burial will be in the Hillside Memorial Park, 2561 Cain’s Mill Road, Sumter.
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