Sis. Deborah Void

You can shed tears that she is gone or you can smile because she has lived You can close your eyes and pray that she’ll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she’s left. Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her and only that she’s gone or you can know she is in Jehovah's memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back or you can do what she’d want: smile, open your eyes, pray, love and continue on.

Deborah was born on February 26, 1957, in Trenton, New Jersey to Lawrence and Birdie Bell Berry. She was educated in the public schools of Orangeburg County, South Carolina. She was a 1975 graduate of Bowman-Bethune High School where she was crowned the first Bowman Bethune High School Homecoming Queen. She furthered her education at South Carolina State University.

From a young age, Deborah was deeply committed to her faith. She was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on February 2, 1980, marking the beginning of a lifelong dedication to her religious community. She was a faithful and dedicated member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses having served faithfully for over forty-five years. Her devotion and passion for the Bible was evident to all who knew her, as she was an avid bible scholar who enjoyed reading and sharing its teachings. 

Deborah’s career began at an early age as her first noted job was at the New York Soda Shop in Bowman, South Carolina, and later at the Bowman Sewing Factory. She was also faithfully employed for several years at American Yard Products/Frigidaire Homes.

To know Deborah was to love her. She only had one child of her own, but she was a mother figure to many.  Deborah fostered relationships with all her siblings. They talked several times daily. She had a very close relationship with her parents whom she loved and adored.  Deborah’s virtuous characteristics further displayed her endearing love to extend to her entire family. Often times she served as the family therapist. She was always available to be a listening ear and would give the best advice no matter the situation. Deborah cherished family, and most of all being a Mother and Grandmother. She devoted her life to their care and wellbeing. 

Deborah was the embodiment of a selfless person, making it a habit to do more for others than she did for herself. She was always ready with a warm smile and a word of comfort, even during times when she may have needed encouragement. She was preceded in death by four siblings, and her grandparents, Captain and Wilhemenia Pelzer.

Deborah will be deeply missed, but the memories she created will forever be cherished by her loving daughter, Tameka (Thomas) Berry Hunt of the home; her devoted parents, Lawrence and Birdie Bell Berry of Bowman, South Carolina; grandchildren, Kelvin (Keson) Glenn, Derondre Holmes, Vikerion Cokely, Zaron Hunt and Zhane’ Hunt; adopted granddaughter, China Holmes; great grandson, Channse Hunt; siblings, Sandra (Benjamin) Welfare, Larry (Linda) Berry, Adele (Kenneth) Fairey, Charles Berry, Johnnie (Kevin) Thompson, Willie (Tonia) Berry, and Allen (Cynthia) Berry; special nieces, Angel Welfare, Senetta Williams, April Williams, and Cierra Williams; special cousin, Michelle “Lou Lou” James; special friends, Willa McDonald, Janet Coleman, Marilyn Carter; and a host of aunts, uncles, additional nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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