Deborah A. Hollis

Ms. Deborah A. Hollis was born on November 12, 1957, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Pate Hollis Sr. and Gradie Robinson-Hollis. Our Beloved Sister, Mother, Aunt, Great-Aunt, Cousin, and Friend, Deborah Hollis, transitioned from labor to reward on Friday, July 5, 2025, at Select Specialty Hospital; age 67 years.

Deborah was a lifelong resident of Saginaw, Michigan. She attended Saginaw Public Schools and was a graduate of Buena Vista High School, C/O 75. Deborah earned an associate in business degree from Delta College. She accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at the South 17th Street Church of Christ under the leadership of Pastor Robert Wiggins.

Deborah was employed by various law firms in Saginaw and Bay City, Saginaw County Circuit Court, Thompson Saginaw, and the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services.

Deborah loved listening to music, reading, DIY projects, the stock market, cooking, and exercising.

Deborah is recognized and celebrated as a virtuous woman for her hard work and contributions to her household and community. Her selfless nature, kindness, love, and nurturing heart made her a caring individual who touched countless lives.

Deborah is survived by one daughter, Katrina Valese Mims-Hollis; three sisters: Nora Hollis and Barbara Hollis-Lawson of Saginaw, Michigan, and Elaine Hollis of Los Angeles, California; one brother, Robert (Mary) McCray of Bridgeport, Michigan; ten nieces: Yondina Laury, Qiana Laury, Kenisha Lawson, Gwendolyn Buchanan, Taquanna and Eboni Hollis, all of Saginaw, Michigan, Ded’rea Owens-Carter, Detroit, Michigan, Taryn Owens, Lansing, Michigan, and Brittani Crimes of Los Angeles, California; eight nephews: Derrick Hatter, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Tony McCray, Aurora, Colorado, Anthony (Gwendolyn) Turner, Iowa, Pate Hollis III, Saginaw, Michigan, Torre Lawson, Las Vegas, Nevada, Kenneth Lawson, Saginaw, Michigan, Brandon Lawson, Rowlett, Texas, Ramon Lawrence, Texas; a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends that all held a special place in her heart; Deborah also leaves three sisters-in-law, Mary McCray, Bridgeport, Michigan, Ida Mae Hill, Smyrna, Georgia, and Sally Terry of Saginaw, Michigan; many other relatives and friends; special friends, Valerie Hill, Cora Macon, Kathy Dixon (Charles), Sheila Morris-Stephens, Kevin Bradley, James and Kela Agnew, Carl Gaunt, and Earl “Moe” Moten.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Pate Sr. and Gradie Hollis; her sister, Dora McCray; brothers: Jerry McCray, James “Jimmy” Hollis-McCray, Donald Hollis, Pate Hollis II, Jimmie McCray II, and two brothers-in-law, John Crimes and Rex Laury.

The family would like to express special thanks to the Dawkins family, Bishop Dempsey Allen, and the Staff at Select Specialty Hospital.