On February 7, 2023, Debra Ann Mitchell went home to be with God.
Debra was born July 29, 1957 in Washington, D.C. to the late Edward and Annie Mitchell. Debra was a proud native Washingtonian: She attended Houston Elementary School, Roper Junior High School, and Spingarn High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science from Paine College in Augusta, Georgia. Her love of numbers evolved into an accomplished accounting career during her employment with companies such as McKissack & McKissack and BMW of Arlington, Virginia. Debra had one child with Johnny Hollis, Jr. Debra was a faith-filled and strong-willed woman. She often found peace in reading her Holy Bible. She and her daughter were baptized by Rev. Dr. Daly Barnes, Jr. at The Greater Tried Stone Baptist Church in Washington, D.C. Although her life was filled with many trials, she showed her resilience by refusing to give up hope. Her life was a testimony that God’s grace is sustaining. An assertive woman who spoke her mind, Debra refused to allow people to take advantage of her. She often stood up for those that could not (or would not) speak up for themselves. Her feisty demeanor caused her to be misunderstood by those that did not know her. Those that knew her understood that she loved just as strongly as she was challenging. Debra enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She enjoyed celebrating good times, and was just as eager to support others in their time of need. Despite the tiring and often difficult assignment, she was honored to care for her parents before they passed. Debra also loved to cook. She was especially known for her fried chicken, fried shrimp, and red velvet cake. She also liked to read, take photos, play pool, Pac-Man, and card games. She enjoyed watching game shows, especially The Price is Right, Press Your Luck, Family Feud, and Beat Shazam. She was also a big fan of the Washington Wizards and the Washington Commanders. She took pride in always looking her best and dressing well for every occasion.
In addition to her parents, Debra was preceded in death by her brother Robert Mitchell, and her sister Janie Conway.
She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Deanna Mitchell; her siblings, John Mitchell, Carolyn Tilghman, Dean Mitchell (Marlene), and Felicia Brown; her beau, Percy Jackson, and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is also survived by honorary siblings, nieces, and a nephew of the Hollis family.
A memorial service will be held in honor and celebration of Debra's life on Friday February 17, 2023, at the Greater Tried Stone Baptist Church located at 1363 Otis Pl NW, Washington, DC 20010. Visitation will begin at 10:00am, followed by the memorial service at 11:00am.
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