The San Diego Association of Black Journalists mourns the loss of a great friend and longtime member, Debra Stephens. Debra was born in San Francisco, but came with her family to San Diego when she was 7 years old.
She is a p
roud graduate of Lincoln High School’s class of 1973, where she met her husband, Duane. They were married more than 30 years.
As a member of SDABJ, Debra brought with her a vast knowledge of San Diego and a passion for telling stories about the area’s black community, which she loved deeply. It was important to her for the public at large to know all that was dynamic and special about San Diego’s African-American people, history, culture, triumphs and sorrows.
A person didn’t have to be around Debra for long to feel her warmth and her spirit. She was often the first to recognize a group or an individual in need and to extend a helping hand. Her energy seemed to be boundless and we, the members of SDABJ, were proud to call her our friend.
On Monday, May 16, 2011, Debra passed away after suffering a stroke. We are deeply saddened today, but will forever be grateful for having known her – for being part of her glorious life, even for just a little while.
Her passing leaves a hole in our community and in our close-knit group, but we will move forward keeping in mind all that she taught us and the people and stories she held dear. Her mission was our mission and will remain so.
Debra, we thank you and we will love you always.
Gone but NEVER forgotten…
Hi Hamish, thank you for taking the time to comment and glad I could help in some way Karen recently posted..Classic Film Friday Ghostbusters Who You Gonna Call?