Proverbs 31:25: "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

Deborah Denise-Wilks McLaurin, age 67, of Baltimore, Maryland by way of Memphis, Tennessee, took her eternal rest on Sunday, May 17, 2026, surrounded by loved ones and ushered into that rest by her sister Sandra Williams.

She was born on November 23, 1958, in Memphis, TN to Marion Louis Wilks who has preceded her in death. Deborah gave her life to God and was baptized at an early age; she walked a serene life and studied the word of God daily. You could find her daily reading her Daily Bread pamphlet. Debbie as she is affectionally called by her family and friends, was known for her compassion as she deeply cared about others, known for her Dependability as she was consistently reliable and trustworthy. She desired to be remembered as Fondly and a woman with Unyielding faith.

Debbie will be remembered most by her siblings as head of the family and for sure to get them back on track when one is out of order. Her unmatched love and motherly guidance will be a void hard to fill. She had a great love for music as she collected many records, albums and lyrics at an early age. She also was a co-administrator to Classic R&B, Soul and Funk Facebook Page. Debbie had a passion for softball as a teenager and played on many softball teams in the community. Debbie was an avid reader; she had a large collection of books and was a member of several book clubs throughout the years. She loved her crossword puzzles.

Debbie graduated from Mitchell High School in Memphis, Tennessee, attended LeMoyne Owen College and later enrolled in the United States Navy on March 12,1979. She ranked as an E5 while serving. She served as a Defense Nuclear Agent in Navcams Westpac Guam and at the Defense Nuclear Agency at Navy Yard. She re-enlisted after returning to the US until her honorable discharge in 1987. Deborah received many honors during her service. She received her First Good Conduct Medal and a Second Good Conduct Award for services ending March 11, 1987, she also received A Joint Meritorious Unit Award. After leaving the Navy, she worked in IT for the government as a Network Administrator. She also developed many programs in IT that are used in today’s IT systems.

She is survived by her only child, Gerald McLaurin (Doo), whom she cherished as one of her greatest accomplishments in her life. She shared many stories as a sister about how she loved her son and has always stood by his side through every triumph, trials and success in his life. She always supported every new adventure he came up with, whether good or bad. She loved watching Star Trac with her son and old Western Movies together. Their bond will ride into eternity as she looks over his life from above.

She cherished her daughter-in-law, Yolanda affectionally known as “My Sweetie” as she was precious in her sight. They had a special bond, and they shared many special moments together. Yolanda cared for her mother–in-law until she took her final transition as she held her hands. She shared that Yolanda was the daughter she never had.

Deborah leaves to cherish her memories, Three brothers, Roderick Wilks (Kim), Anthony Wilks (Daphne), Johnny Wilks (Connie), and one sister Sandra Williams (Doug). Her siblings will cherish her presence in their life until the end of time. She leaves to cherish her memories and the many moments spent with her, nieces and nephews. (Shevita, Stephanie, Shina, Anthony Jr, Antwone, Laquisha, Anesia, Johnny Jr. Rodchicka, Ebony and a host of grand nieces and nephews. Her presence will be missed in the lives of her many close friends that she shared life with. She was preceded in death by her mother, Marion Louise Wilks, Uncle Excel Wilks and Grandmother Sadie Lou Wilks.