Debra J. Santos

Debra Jeanne Santos was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 12, 1957. She was the second of five children and the first daughter born to Eugene and Edna Moore. Debra was always vibrant and strong. At an early age, she affectionately earned the nickname of “Radio” due to her talkative nature. Debra was clever and her love for learning was apparent as a child. Cleveland, Ohio remained her home until 1964. The family then relocated to Buffalo, New York.

At age 15, Debra’s family relocated from New York to Mississippi. She immediately began to look for an after school/summer job to fuel her desire to learn. In her relentless search for a job she discovered how difficult it was for a minority teenager to obtain employment. Debra was not offered a job anywhere. She was disappointed but not discouraged, she overcame adversity and her perseverance compelled her to surpass the local and state officials and write a letter to President Nixon. Within a few weeks a representative from the government arrived at the family home. That representative assisted Debra and she was able to get a job at a local trailer retail store as an administrative assistant. This is the type of determination Debra carried with her throughout her life.

Debra married and from this union she mothered two precious children, Reginald and Christina, who are the loves of her life. They were the catalysts for all that she would accomplish in her tremendous life. Debra loved her family and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Debra coined the term “Social Entrepreneur” when describing her current career. Her previous experience as a CFO/COO was instrumental in her role as a founding member of a city charter school; Ingenuity Prep. She was also an author and she accomplished one of her life-long dreams by publishing two books. Her travels around the world enabled her to share her passions, which were education, literacy, filmmaking, and individual and group empowerment through entrepreneurial opportunities, such as short-term rentals. Debra held a Bachelor of Science in Professional Accounting, a Master of Science in Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science in Technology and Telecommunications Management a Ph.D. in Divinity, and was pursuing a second Ph.D. in Organizational Management. Debra also held a CPA license and had her own CPA firm, Santos and Associates, early in her career. In the last year she shifted her focus towards the “Big Screen”. She began taking film classes with a goal of being able to bring her personal screenplays to audiences around the world.

Debra was an incredible storyteller, she had countless life experiences to share. She enjoyed photography and exploring the world. Her travels ranged from backpacking through Europe to cruising the United States in a RV. Her international travels included Mexico, Nigeria, Ghana, and Thailand. Debra believed in public service and wanted to use her multitude of talents to help others. She volunteered with the Red Cross during Hurricane Katrina where she worked in the Superdome for several weeks. She was a prominent member in the 2008 Obama campaign. She took a sabbatical from work and spent six months on the campaign trail where she had the opportunity to meet the future President, Barack Obama. She treasured those times and recounted these stories with fondness.

Debra loved the Lord and was an active member in a church family wherever she lived. She served in many areas of the church where help was needed; technology team, women’s ministry, new members team, and hospitality. Debra lived in various cities during her life. In each city she set roots, mentored people, and touched many lives in ministry.

Debra will forever be loved and remembered by her children Reginald Santos and Christina Travis; her mother Edna McClain; her grandchildren Thomas Jackson, Jasmine Jackson, Anthony Henson, Marquise Jackson, Breanna Jackson and Brooklyn Travis; her great-grandchildren Octavio Robinson III, Kobe Jackson, Legend Jackson, and Marayna Jackson; her siblings Alfred Eugene Lee (Mary Louise), Eugene W. Moore (Sacha), Tyrone Moore and Patricia Lawson (Glen); and host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Preceding Debra in death were her father Eugene Moore; her brother Walter Stacy Moore; and sister Sandra Douglas. Lovingly submitted by the family.

May Debra forever stay in your memories, that she may inspire you to exceed expectations. “The world is a little less bright without you but everyone you touched will carry your spirit.

Thank you for giving the gift of your genius.”