Deborah Lynn Stevens

Deborah Lynn Stevens was born on August 6, 1954 in Fort Worth, Texas, to Carmita Schmiegelow and Jesse Burford-Stevens. Deborah Stevens, better known as “Deb” by her family and friends, was a fun-loving, intelligent, beautiful spirit, with an infectious laugh and an unforgettably bright smile. She touched the hearts of many. Deb moved with her family to Tacoma, Washington, at the age of ten. As a Tacoma resident, she grew up on the east side—Salishan neighborhood—where she attended McIlvaigh Junior High School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1971. Deb continued her education by enrolling at Fort Steilacoom College LPN School and graduated with top honors in 1973. She worked as an LPN at Western State Hospital for 18 years. Deb enjoyed life’s simple pleasures—time with family and friends, reading, cooking, listening to jazz, and watching westerns and classics on television. She loved her animals—her cats Georgie-Pordgie, Lexus, and Blink—and her dogs Karamo and Deja—her precious fur babies. She was a natural comedienne and could bring to life, in an animated, uniquely-Deb style, any story about a life experience or one of her children, family members, or friends. She joined the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1989 and was an active witness from that point forward. One of the most common and constant occurrences in Deb’s life was being with her best friend Margaret. The two of them met back in the days of her growing up on the east side and spent 47 years developing a life-long sisterhood friendship that stood the test of time. Deb’s biggest life role was that of devoted mother. Most important to Deb were her three children Rhashari, Miles, and Will. They were her heart and soul. Preceding her in death is her father Jesse Burford-Stevens, and brother Jesse Burford-Stevens, Jr. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, daughter Rhashari, sons Miles and Will, her mother Carmita Schmiegelow, sister Donna, brother-in-law Antonio, nephews Josh and Ashton, best friend Margaret, and a close circle of family and friends who will miss her dearly. On her journey home on April 23, 2015, Deb was surrounded by a circle of close loved ones. She will be in our hearts forever.