Debra A. Redding

Debra Redding, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 in Carrollton, Texas. As her daughter stated, “to know [Debra] was to love her.” She made such an impact on the lives of so many who were blessed to know her.

Debra Redding was born on Sunday, December 28, 1952 in South Bend, Indiana to her parents, Wilma and Roosevelt Thompson. She graduated from Washington High School and then studied for 2 years at Ivy Tech of South Bend, Indiana where she received her certificate for Clerk Typist. With her certification, she worked as a clerical typist for Raco for several years. Debra also worked at Ironwood Nursing Home for 20 years as a supervisor and cook. Through her work, Debra blessed many people, and she had a passion for helping others.

Along with her passion for helping others through her work, Debra also had many other joys throughout life. She greatly enjoyed cooking for her family and friends. She made many delicious meals that filled stomachs and hearts with happiness. She liked to read various kinds of books. A good book was not too far from hand for Debra, and she always had great recommendations. Debra also enjoyed socializing with coworkers, friends, and family. She would talk about anything from work to life to recipes to faith and everything in between. Despite all of these joys in life, Debra was most passionate about her faith in Christ. She was baptized at New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in 1967 in South Bend, Indiana. She called Mount Carmel her home church, and those in the congregation were her church family. She loved to read the Word of God and quote from scripture. Her faith in God was so strong, and she trusted in Him whole-heartedly. “Only what’s done for Christ will last!” was a constant reminder that she gave everyone. The Lord blessed Debra with many things throughout life, but her biggest blessing was her family. She was blessed with 3 wonderful daughters, Jahanna Redding, Wilma Redding, and Yolanda Redding. She loved her daughters so very much and strove to teach them all she could about life, faith, and happiness. Her own happiness grew when Debra became a grandmother. She was the proud grandmother of 7 grandchildren who she doted on and cherished. She loved each member of her family so dearly much; they meant the world to her. Debra’s family will always remember her for her love of reading the Bible, her scripture quotes, her delicious food, her wonderful stories, her amazing laugh, and beautiful smile.

Debra Redding is survived by her daughters, Jahanna Redding, Wilma Redding, and Yolanda Redding; her grandchildren, Isaiah Seward, Nathaniel Redding, Diondra Martin, Emanuel Herron, Robert Redding, Winter Felix, and Summer Redding; great grandson La’Vari Tristan Smith; her siblings, Christina Thompson Price and her husband, Gerome, of Ackworth, Georgia and Marvella Ford of Ackworth, Georgia; and a host of friends, coworkers, and church members who were blessed to know Debra and her golden heart. Debra Redding is preceded in death by her parents, Wilma (née Phillips) and Roosevelt Thompson and her siblings, Fred Thompson and Armond Thompson.

The family of Ms. Debra Redding would like to send their heartfelt thanks to everyone for all the cards, call, and prayers in their time of need. May God bless you all!