Deborah Ruth Marie Dawson

The daughter of the late Warren and Edith Dawson was born in Baltimore City on February 18, 1954 and raised in the city’s Hampden neighborhood on Chestnut Avenue. A brother, Robert, preceded her in death.

She was a 1971 graduate of St. Michael’s School for Girls. Following high school, she attended Strayer's Business College and received a degree in administrative studies. Her admiration for William Donald Schaefer, 44th mayor of the City of Baltimore, led her to work for his administration in the Bureau of Budget and Management Research. She also worked in the City of Baltimore’s Office of Employment Development, Office of Communications and Fiscal Unit. She retired as a highly-regarded administrator and supervisor from the City of Baltimore after 20 years of service.

Debby loved to work and be around people. This led her back to her career after retiring. She held positions in administration at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens and the Baltimore Museum of Industry before finally closing that chapter of her life as an administrative executive at Good Samaritan Hospital in 2010.

Working for the Schaefer Administration changed her life in a million ways, not only did she get to witness the infamous facelift of her beloved city, which included the re-building of the Inner Harbor, but she meant the love of her life, Cornelius B. Batten, affectionately known as Bobby. Bobby and Debby’s love for one another spanned over 35 years.

She was a devout Catholic who lovingly cared, thought about and prayed for family and friends. One of her greatest joys in life was spending time with those she loved. She also enjoyed making people laugh; talking on the phone; buying goodies from the Home Shopping Network; and, birdwatching.

Debby leaves to cherish her loving memory: her partner for more than 35 years, Cornelius B. Batten; and her surrogate son, James Shamos Fisher. Both are residents of Baltimore City.

A private, invitation-only memorial will be held today at Burgee-Henss-Seitz Funeral Home.