Debra (Veal) James

    Debra Ann James was Born on October 18th, 1948, in Cleveland Ohio, to the late Bertha Lee Veal and the Late Richard William Veal. On May 10th, 2022, Debra peacefully departed this life and went on to join the Lord and the rest of her departed family. Debra was a lifelong devoted wife to Archie James; loving mother of Brandon James, and Wendy James; protective and cherished sister to Romeo Veal (deceased); Grandmother of Fiona James and Brooke James; Aunt to Mecye Boddie and Sydney Boddie; Daughter in law to Doris Marcus.     

Debra attended Cleveland Public Schools as a child.  After graduating, she received her bachelor’s and master's degrees in Education from Cleveland State University. While attending Graduate School, Debra and Archie James met, fell in love, and later married.  To that union was born a son Brandon James and a daughter Wendy James. 

Debra went to teach 4th and 5th-grade students at both Memphis and Harvey Rice Elementary School. Her true passion for teaching and helping children made her both a mother figure and an example to her students.  As a teacher, she encouraged her students to do their best.

Debra loved spending time with family and friends, especially during holidays. She would go above and beyond to make every holiday memorable for her family and friends, especially on Christmas. She enjoyed cooking and baking for the holidays with her daughter and giving out gifts and sweets. Debra loved working in her garden with her husband Archie and her daughter Wendy.  Debra was passionate about gardening, which was not only therapeutic to her but was her paradise. She also enjoyed spending precious time with her grandchildren Fiona and Brooke.  Debra devoted her time to educating and spending time with them as much as she could. Debra’s other hobbies included dressing up and going ballroom dancing with her husband Archie by her side, and going out to eat with family and friends. Nothing made Debra more Happy than being around people. She was very sociable and enjoyed having company. 

Debra Ann James is survived by her Mother-in-law Doris Marcus, husband; Archie James, son Brandon James; daughter Wendy James, granddaughters Fiona James and Brooke James; nieces Mecye Boddie and Sydney Boddie; daughter-in-law Rebecca James; soon to be son-in-law; and a host of other relatives and friends.                                              

Debra, you truly will be missed.

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