Deborah Charmaine Anderson was born on February 19, 1952, in Durham North Carolina to Nora Mae Collins and Charles Wesley Anderson. As the youngest sister of 2 older brothers, she was a well-protected baby girl with her brother Charles taking the lead in caring for her. Deborah was a beautiful, shy little girl. Ever the trendsetter, Deborah was prepared early for life by attending finishing school, etiquette classes, and more. Her imagination was expansive and she was building a world in her mind early.
As a teenager, she was popular and a natural leader. Deborah held homecoming court as the school’s princess, as well as the ROTC princess. Holding court was a natural place for the burgeoning lady and her high school career was riddled with success. Deborah graduated from Central High School in Kansas City, Missouri in 1970. She briefly attended the University of Missouri in Kansas City until was compelled to seek her career path.
After the birth of her first child, Andre LaMont Anderson, Deborah entered the workforce as a secretary. She always had an interest in modeling and fashion, and it was in that vein that she applied for a role with TWA as one of their world-famous flight attendants. She was also closely connected to the local civil rights efforts as she served as secretary with the Black Economic Union as well as the local chapter of SNCC. It was here that her passion for the fair treatment of women and the oppressed grew. This is also around the time she James Monroe. The couple met through mutual friends and their friendship grew into a love filled with adventure, traveling, and laughter that culminated in the birth of their daughter Mia Monique Monroe in 1977.
In 1981, James and Deborah were married and this new family moved to Texas so James could begin his lifelong career in the oil and gas industry. Deborah also took on a role in the oil and gas industry but was led to take on a position with the American Red Cross in 1983. In her 20-year career, she moved through the ranks of the internationally recognized organization to become director of volunteer services. Deborah was also an active board member of Interfaith Ministries. In this role, she dedicated her time to AIDS awareness, prevention, and support as well as empowerment for women against domestic violence. She was both a leader and a hands-on support for disaster relief globally.
In addition to the hustle and bustle of her ever-burgeoning career in service to the underserved and marginalized in the community, she was also a dedicated wife and mother. Her focus was always ensuring that her family had all that they needed to go as far as possible and she would stop at nothing to support the achievement of their goals. Whether it was supporting her son’s military career, or cheering her daughter on as she soared in her musical education, Deborah was at ready, with support, words of wisdom, financial backing, and the addition of “bonus kids” as her children’s friends were always safe to come to her home to practice, feel seen and “just be”.
Deborah was equal parts woman of influence in many spheres and a worldy lady who made anyone feel welcome in her presence. She had a wonderful sense of humor and she lived her life with kindness being at the forefront. She brought life and smiles to any room she entered. Deborah's giving and loving were often done in silence. Not one to publicize her benevolence, she organized, coordinated, counseled, and mentored, while just having fun with people. Not only was Deborah the life of the party, but she was also the MOST stylish woman in the room. Her grace and class were bar none, and her example shaped the lives of many women.
As she and her husband became empty-nesters, Deborah’s time became filled with traveling, adventure, and lifetimes of fun with the love of her life, her beloved James.
She is preceded in rest by her husband, James Monroe, parents - Nora Mae Collins and Charles Wesley Anderson II, and brother Cecil Roberson.
She is survived by her Son, Andre, her beloved daughter, Mia, and her grandchildren: Adrienne, Andre II, Erin, and Brandon. She also leaves to cherish her memory, her brother, Charles Wesley, life long friends Deborah Gunnels and Denise Jones, as well as a host of relatives, neighbors, colleagues, and friends.
A memorial service for Deborah will be held Friday, May 3, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077, followed by a reception from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
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