Debra Demetria Jones

Debra Demetria Jones was born June 20, 1956 in Chicago, Illinois to Isaiah Johnson and Bettie L. Washington, both now deceased.

As a child Debi, as she was affectionately known grew up as a member of Triedstone Missionary Baptist Church under the watchful care of her grandparents; Pastor Albert Spells and First Lady/Evangelist Thelma Spells.  Debi received the Lord Jesus Christ at an early age and would later recommit to her faith and be baptized under Reverend Austin F. Williams, Pastor of Truevine Missionary Baptist Church in Inglewood, California.  Debi initially attended school where she lived on the South Side of Chicago but would later move with her Mom and other siblings to the South Suburbs of Chicago where she attended and graduated from Rich Central High School.  Her fun, friendly and engaging personality would automatically light up a room when she entered, and she was extremely popular among her classmates. 

Following high school, Debi entered the United States Air Force and her adventuresome spirit led her to several exotic places and assignments around the world.  However, it was on a fateful rainy evening during her assignment at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio Texas, she would meet a cocky, self-assured young man from South Central Los Angeles while she was waiting on a ride. The amazing journey of Jerry D and Debi D Jones that followed would go on to endure 39 years of marriage.  To their union was born Destiny Demetria, Jeremy Dion Dewayne; Grandchildren, Daijah, Jordyn, Jaelyn and Jaxson. Debi served our nation honorably for 22 years in the Medical Administrative and, Education and Training career fields. She received numerous command awards and decorations before retiring in October 1997.

Debi was a true “hand-maiden” of the Lord.  Her faithful, committed service can be traced thru the choirs, VBS, bible studies and fellowships of Chapel Programs at Robins AFB, Anderson AFB, Guam, Gila Bend AZ and Hurlburt Field, FL. She was a founding member of Striving For Perfection Ministries where she and her husband served under Pastor Larry Boldin and alongside her Sister, Evangelist Michelle Edwards to help build and grow the ministry.  She was a highly respected and loved member of Mercy Seat Ministries under the leadership of Pastor Timothy Gipson and First Lady Sandra Gipson who both personally called her “Friend”.  Debi loved to sing and her commitment to choir and praise team activities were always beyond personal convenience and often while enduring excruciating pain.  From rehearsals during inclement weather, to distant choir outings, to fellowships; Sister Debi Jones could always be counted on to be there...prepared and ahead of scheduled time! Her wise counsel to the Women’s Ministry and personal friendship will be sorely missed.  As a “Quiet Warrior” her example will always be a powerful legacy.  She showed us how to battle thru adversity with strength, dignity, beauty and grace.  Debi had battled cancer not once, but twice!  Each time she never complained, she never gave up or gave in and she fought like a true Warrior with a commitment to #LiveToday while always encouraging others.  One of her favorite scriptures, Romans 8:18:  For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. KJV 

Debi Jones lived her life to the Glory of God and “everything” she did was for HIS Glory, even down to the license plate on her car (4S GLRY).  cancer was simply not worthy…!

On Saturday October 12th at 5:40 AM, with Jerry by her side; God fulfilled His promises to her by healing and completely restoring her as she transitioned into His Glory!  She was “transformed” so that she was radiant, and even more beautiful as also witnessed by her Sister Sharon and daughter Destiny!

Debi leaves to cherish her memory a loving husband, Jerry D. Jones; her children, Destiny, Jeremy, and Patience (stepdaughter).  Her grandchildren, Daijah, Jaxson, Jordyn, Jaelynn.  The brothers of Jordyn; Ayden and Jayden. Her living brothers and sisters; Philip (Florence), Michael, Thelma Astralia, Sharon, Adean “Candy” (Michael), Isaiah, Adrianne “Cookie”, Darnell (Sheri).   A Host of Nieces and Nephews, including Bethany, Ben-Beanie, Phil, Dorian, Antoine, Rhonda, Mya, Cameron, Sasha, Donovan, Savanna, Dominic, Sophie, Coby, London, Titan, Brandon Jr., Minako, Ony, Thornell, Camille, Meleak, Mikiel, Joshua, Thornell Jr., Derrius, Shakyra, Devin, Devin Jr., Isaiah, Isaac, Ieasha, Isley, Isaac Jr., Melissa, Stephanie, Giovanni, Serenity, Joy, Jaia, Darnell, Royce, Jyaveion, Jyishon, Tyler, Taylor, and Austin; cousins, Elizabeth Lattimore Holder, LaVeta, Rochelle, ReNita, Quedo, Mary Anna, Beverly, Taisha, Kenya, Joseph, Sam-Suhayl, Mirza, Judy, Tammy, Jackie, and many more.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 20109 at 10:00 A.M. at Striving for Perfection Ministries, 24 Bass Avenue SW, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32548 with full military honors.  Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at www.emeraldcoastfuneralhome.com

We Will Miss You My Queen

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