ALPHA CHAPTER

I was born in Brownsville, Pennsylvania about 40 miles from Pittsburgh. The last of 8 children born to Joseph and Marie Hood Gary. I spent the first 10 years of my life in Brownsville, on Jackson Street near the creek or the “crick” as we called it. At the age of 10, my mother moved me and my sister, Phyllis, who is 5 years older than me, to Warren, Ohio, where she and “Mr. Fred”, the man who raised me, were married, and this union united the Pughs and Garys. Growing up in the house with my new brothers, Harry and Doc, was fun for us all. I am a 1968 graduate of Warren Western Reserve High School, the first graduating class of WWR. While in high school ,I worked at Johnson Cleaners, and I was a babysitter. After graduation, I began a journey at Packard Electric, a division of General Motors. It was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, but I did what I had to do to provide for my kids and myself. While employed there and retiring after 30 years of labor, I did find fulfillment in writing for the International Union Local 717 Newsletter. Writing was my passion and purpose. I majored in Journalism at Kent State, was a writer for the Buckeye Review and became the first and only African-American Female Columnist with the Warren Tribune. I enjoyed interviewing and writing stories on celebrities and political figures, such as Ron Brown, Roger Troutman, Jesse Jackson, Red Foxx and Sugar Ray Leonard, just to name a few. In my spare time, I loved playing the flute, listening to music, dancing, and gathering with family at 2131 Oak Street. As a single mother, I saw the importance of showing my children that though life could be challenging, following your dreams and working hard could bring you so much joy and true happiness. I also taught my kids that they should be closer to each other than anyone else. I would tell them they shared more of the same DNA than they did with me. After homework was done, we would end our days playing Trouble and I Declare War. I could not have raised my kids had it not been for the presence of God in my heart and being the head of my life. I was raised in the historic Second Baptist Church in Warren under Pastor Leon Troy. I later served the Lord at St. John COGIC, under Elder Jesse Howard. Before leaving Warren, I became a member of Monumental Faith COGIC, under Bishop David Herron; most recently, I continued learning and growing in Christ at First Church of God Columbus, under Bishop Timothy J Clarke. I thank God for placing me at these places of worship; I increased my faith and gained tools needed to face racism, harassment, and discrimination and to become a breast cancer survivor. In the 1990’s, I began my journey in Politics. I was elected as a Democratic Precinct Person, representing Trumbull County’s 6th Ward and was appointed to the Trumbull County Democratic Executive Board, holding that position for over ten years. My Partner in Crime, Helen Rucker, and I became well known in Warren, having conversations and being recognized with the Mayor and Congressmen; we were instrumental in establishing the voting boundary lines for the 6th Ward. This started my relationship with statewide politicians, becoming a member of Black Elected Democrats of Ohio. Some of the memories I always held dear to my heart; my kids and I visiting my sister Phyllis and her family in, Detroit, and Dolores and Aunt Melvin in McKees Rocks, David inviting me to party with him in Mansfield, my brother Melvin calling and telling me he saw one of my articles published in a national magazine, Doc letting me drive his brand new car, playing golf with Harry, seeing all my grands graduate from High School, and watching my kids reach their goals. Grateful that God allowed me to receive a scholarship to the Civil Rights Heritage Tour, I was the millionth person at the Million Man March, and I was so proud to attend the inauguration of the first African American President, President Barack Obama.

OMEGA CHAPTER

In 2000, I decided to leave Warren and move to Columbus, Ohio. Moving to Columbus allowed me to be closer to my first two grandchildren, Courtney and DJ, who lived with Deana in Cincinnati, and in time for my second set of grands, David and Kennedy, being born. After relocating to Columbus, I worked for Columbus, Pickerington and Reynoldsburg City Schools. I was also proud to return to college and earn a degree at Columbus State University. As the founder of “Writing it Right”, I published two books: A Manual for Teenage Mothers and Info Ivan & African American Inventors. In the first writing, I wanted to let young ladies know, as I tried to show my own children, that God blessed them with children, and he equipped them with the heart and tools to raise bright, productive role models. In the second book, I wanted to show young black people what our people have contributed to this world and to let them know that they could be anything and go anywhere they wanted to in life. As you speak of me in the days, weeks, months and years to come, remember I loved collecting African-American art, telling the African-American story, fighting the African-American fight and talking about my children and grandchildren. Remember to make friends, to talk to strangers, to get to know people. Remember me as the lady with the locks, who loved life and people. Thanks to my best friends, Carol Parks McKinney and Helen Rucker, for always being there for me; my special sisters, Mary Elizabeth Davis, Barbara James and Michelle (June) Spann; and all my friends, including my seamstress and locticians. As the Golden Girls said, “Thank you for being a friend!” Marlan J. (D’Andrea) Gary, I challenge you to continue to keep being a giver and God will make sure you receive, grow your business but don’t forget to take time out to smell the roses. Deana Marie (Curtis Battle) Taylor JD, you have made me so proud, always trying to better yourself; keep learning, teaching and traveling. Dr. Courtney Elaine Taylor, earning your Ed.D, I am so proud of you of you that I cannot scream “THANK YOU LORD!” loud enough. Donald Joseph Taylor, I am so glad that you are learning what manhood and responsibility are all about. David Cordell Gary, my Kappa Man, never forget our conversations and remember to think for yourself because you are a leader. My baby, Kennedy Marie Gary, you went farther from home out of high school than any of my grands; be wise, get yours and don’t let them boys and people get in your head. I pray God allows me to look over the balcony of heaven and see you all becoming successful, finding true love and enjoying life. To my sisters, Phyllis Boss and Melvon Poole; brother, Harry (Sandra) Pugh; sisters-in-law, Darlene Pugh, Geraldine Gary, Patricia Ann Pugh, and Dr. Juneau Gary; aunt, Eunice; all my nieces, my namesake,Dolores “Sandy”, Deborah “Missy”, Melony, Karen, Dawn, Anita, Vanessa, Lydia, Pam, Charlene, Celest, Tiffany, Talya, and Tyesha; nephews Greg, Jimmy, Buddy, JT, Ernest “June Bug”,Marcus, Kevin, Mike; and cousins, Freddy, Rudy, Cynthia, Renee, Mark, Gary, Henry, Maxine and Barbara Ann: Miss me and cry just for a minute but remember on January 26, 2022, I gained my wings and I’m in Heaven. I see God and our savior Jesus; I am also having a reunion with Momma and Mr. Fred and Daddy and Mrs. Laura. Guess who was waiting for me at The Pearly Gates, my sisters, Gladys Fant, Teti Santiago, Teresa Gary and Dolores Gary; my brothers, James Gary, Ernest Gary, Robert Pugh Sr., Fred Pugh Jr., Charles Pugh Sr., David Gary, Dr. Melvin Gary and James “Doc” Pugh Sr; nephew, John Boss Jr.; cousins, Toni Binford, Ira Tellis Binford, and Keith Hood, Aunt Melvin, Uncle Jonas, Aunt Julia and Uncle Henry, Aunt Lizzie and Uncle Brother, and Aunt Larcina; they were all so happy to see me and I happy to see them.

A visitation, celebrating the LIFE of Deborah Gary, will be held Sunday, February 6, 2022 from 4-9PM at MARLAN GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST 5456 E. Livingston Ave. Columbus, Ohio 43232. An additional visitation will start at 10:00AM, followed by Home Going Service at 11:00AM on Monday, February 7, 2022 at Triedstone Baptist Church – 858 E. 3rd Avenue in Columbus. Interment will be at Glen Rest Memorial Estates.

Going Home Service