Deborah H Benn Tyson

Obituary
In Loving Memory of
Deborah Hermena Benn Tyson
January 30, 1959 – June 18, 2025
Deborah Hermena Benn Tyson was born on January 30, 1959, in Hempstead, Long Island, New York, to Herman Benn and Arcina Bishop Benn. She peacefully transitioned on the evening of June 18, 2025, at 9:01 p.m. at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) in Philadelphia. She was sixty-six years old.
Deborah was raised in Chester, Pennsylvania, and educated in the Chester School District. With a heart for healing and service, Deborah pursued a career in nursing-a calling through which she touched the lives of many across generations. Her compassion, skill, and sense of duty earned her the deep love and respect of both her patients and colleagues in the medical community.
A lifelong learner, Deborah continued her education throughout her life, never tiring in her pursuit of knowledge. She was a proud student of Cheyney University and carried a brilliance and zest for learning that was evident in every conversation and endeavor.
Deborah was a devoted and loving mother to her two sons, Rushion Benn Tyson and Khalil Benn. They were her pride, joy, and purpose. There was no mountain she would not climb or river she would not cross for them-her love for her children knew no bounds.
She was the beloved daughter of the late Herman Benn and Arcina Benn White, and the stepdaughter of the late Ben White. Deborah was the eldest of three siblings and took seriously her role as protector, guide, and nurturer to her brother Herman L. Benn and her sister Sarahia M. Benn. She remained close to Herman throughout her life, watching over him with the same protective care she had given from the beginning. Deborah and Sarahia shared an unshakable bond-strong in spirit, even when separated by miles. During her final week, Deborah spent precious time with Sarahia, and on the day of her passing, they shared final sacred moments of love and exchanged heartfelt words. Their bond remained unbroken, tender, and filled with grace.
Deborah is survived by her cherished aunt, Dorothy Hall-the last living sibling of her mother-who, at 92, remains a strong and loving presence in the family. She also leaves behind her dear Aunt Christine Benn of Newport News, VA and Long Island, NY, on her father's side. She was deeply connected to an extended and loving family, including cousins Rev. Reginald Bishop, Nerissa Bishop, Diane Bishop, and Tyrissa Bishop of Aberdeen and Havre de Grace, Maryland, among many others.
Deborah also leaves behind her beloved nieces Veniece Queen, Natasha Benn, Syleria (Lirie) Benn, and Jaliyah, all of Chester, PA. She held a deep affection for her nephew Rahman Davis Washington of Aberdeen, MD. Deborah was able to love and cherish numerous great-nieces, and often spoke with hope and pride about the legacy she wanted to see flourish through them.
She lovingly embraced close friends as her chosen sisters. Two of them, Peggy and Audrey D. Robinson-sisters for life-preceded her in death. Her circle of sisterhood also included Wesyna Davis of Aberdeen, MD; Dee Dee Jimerson of Chester, PA; and Janice of Chester, PA. For Deborah, sisterhood transcended blood-it was rooted in truth, loyalty, and steadfast love..
Deborah's light was brilliant and undeniable. Her spirit, resilient. Her love, all-encompassing. She was a woman of strength and vibrant warmth, who gave generously and loved deeply. Her life was a living testimony of faith, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to family and community.
She leaves to mourn her passing: her sons Rushion Benn Tyson and Khalil Benn; her brother Herman L. Benn; her sister Sarahia M. Benn; her nieces Veniece Queen, Natasha Benn, Syleria (Lirie) Benn, and Jaliyah of Chester, PA; her nephew Rahman Davis Washington of Aberdeen, MD; her aunts Dorothy Hall and Christine Benn; her honorary sisters Wesyna Davis, Dee Dee Jimerson, and Janice of Chester, PA; and a host of great-nieces, cousins, extended family, and dear friends who loved her fiercely and will miss her deeply.
Her memory will be cherished and her legacy carried forward in the lives of all who were blessed to know her.