Deborah Susan Rush

Deborah Susan Rush was born into the family of Decell and Ruthie Jae on September 3, 1959. Deborah, the“baby” of 8 children, was reared in the home of her grandfather and grandmother, Avery and Sally Rush in Dekalb, Mississippi. Deborah attended and was baptized in the Beulah Baptist Church in Dekalb. Deborah attended Kemper County Schools. Upon graduation from elementary school, Deborah rejoined her parents and siblings in Ford Heights, Illinois. She attended and graduated from Bloom Trail High School in 1977. Upon graduation from high school, Deborah attended Prairie State College. While attending college, Deborah began working in the retail sales industry. After several years in the industry she was hired by the Marshalls Corporation and worked there for more than 15 years. At Marshalls, Deborah took advantage of every opportunity to assist and encourage student workers at the store. She would provide “sisterly” advice and transportation home to many of these young employees. Deborah found her true calling in the field of Child Care and returned to school to pursue certification as a Director of Child Care. During that time, Deborah began working as a child care provider under, her sister Gloria, the operator of a 30 year successful home child care program. After a few years in the field, Deborah joined the staff of the New Hope Baptist Church Child Care and Summer Day Camp Program in Chicago, IL. She eventually became the Director of the New Hope program and served in that capacity for many years. In the capacity as Director, she formed strong and lasting bonds with two of her co-workers, Velisa Weil and Anita Wideman. These ladies became strong towers for Deborah during her illness. Deborah departed this earthly life on August 23rd, 2012. Her dad, Decell and a sister, Linda, preceded her in death. She leaves to celebrate her life, her mother, Ruth; several siblings, Gloria (Tyrone), Leoria (Odether), Jacqueline, Clifford, Charles (Cherryce) and Wyatt (Latyece); her special and long time friend and confidant, Mr. Wally Sanford; and “adopted granddaughters", Diamond and Darlia. She also leaves to cherish her memory, special sisters in childhood, Francine and Myra; six nieces, Cassandra (William), LaShetta, Ayana, Tamarah, Neiche and Yasmin; seven nephews, Mazimayo (Heidi), Wyatt II (Claudia), Jameel (Verlanda), Jamaal (Jennie), Terrion, B.J. and Taiche; great nieces, Tiana, Kierra, Caelah, Madelyn, Bryanna, Tyler and Aniyah; great nephews, Jaylen, Jalen, Rasheed, Corey Jr., Elijah, Deaundre and Jamall II; two aunts, Gussie Mae and Rosie Mae; one uncle, Mike; a host of cousins, other relatives and many friends.

Tributes

Deborah Susan Rush

September 3, 1959 - August 22, 2012