In Memory

Deborah Phillips (Bright) - Class Of 1975

Deborah Ann Phillips Bright, daughter of the late Claude Dudley and Joanne Connor Phillips, was born July 2, 1957, in Charlottesville, Virginia.

She went home to be with our Lord on Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at the University of Virginia Medical Center following a sudden and critical illness.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Samuel D. Phillips; her niece, Samone D. Phillips; her nephew, Tyson L. Phillips; her mother and father-in-law, Charles Class and Mamie Morton Bright; and honorary daughter-in-law, Tracy A. Wood.

Debbie accepted Christ at an early age. She was a member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Dyke, Va., where she was baptized by the Reverend George Blakey. She was active in Sunday School and the various plays and programs at the church. She later joined Mount Zion Baptist Church in Advance Mills, Va., where she was an active member until her illness and death. She was a dedicated member of the Kitchen Ministry.

As a child Debbie was active in 4-H and the Girls Scouts of America. As a Girl Scout, she helped dedicate the Earlysville Post Office by raising the US Flag.

Debbie never liked being outdoors playing with her siblings and neighborhood children. She was always inside with our mother "learning to cook" or reading a book. At Albemarle High School she became the first black captain of the varsity cheerleading squad.

Debbie was employed at the University of Virginia Law Library for just shy of 30 years before her health forced her to retire. She always held a part-time job as well. While at the Law Library, Debbie made many life-long friends. She played on their softball team (although she didn't like sports or being outside), organized social events and kept her boss in line.

Although she was not a "child of nature," Debbie could always be found on a playing field supporting her boys in their various sports endeavors. She, as a team mom, provided snacks and moral support. Debbie was a cheerleading coach for the little league cheerleaders. She went camping with the Boy Scouts. There were trips to the lake and the beach. She often had extra children along on family vacations. Debbie had an "open door" policy for children's friends as they were always welcome in her home.

Debbie leaves to cherish her memory, husband Sylvester R. Bright; two sons, Cory R.  and Coty S. Bright; step-daughter, Shaniko Humphrey (Dustin Hall); ten grandchildren, Leilani and Dakota Turner, Charles, Tacaryi, Cory Jr., Cameron, Kallista , Gregory, and Trevor Bright and Donovan Watkins; a great grandson, Kingston Biseli; two sisters Gloria E. Linton and Veronica P. Crawley; brother Claude D. Phillips, Jr.; six sisters-in-law, LaVerne W. Phillips, Brenda W. Phillips, Arlene B. Smith (Cecil), Bonnie B. Banks (Nelson), Gwen B. Coger (Derrick) and Lynne Bright; nine brothers-in-law, Allan A. Linton, Denby F. Crawley, Charles Bright, Carrol L. Bright, Ronnie Bright, Joseph Bright (Michelle), Moses Bright (Hope), Wayne Bright (Betty) and Jerome Bright;  devoted nieces and nephews, Teresa and Terrence Phillips, Keith Balmer (Melissa), Glenn Collins, Jr., Claudia and Connor (Michaela) Linton and Dominique Crawley, and a host of other nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends, among them devoted friends Deborah Burton, Velma Watson, Patricia White, Joy West, Joe Wynne, Anne Gaulding, Christine Denton  and Larry Wenger.

Debbie, Deb, Lucy, Doo Ball, Grammy, mom and of course Ma are just some of the names we lovingly called her, but above all she could be called a child of God.  She is loved and will be sorely missed. 

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 15, 2019, at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Advance Mills, Va., with Pastor H. Steven Miller officiating. Interment will follow at Holly Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hillandwood.com.

Submitted by Sue Critzer Hughes.