Deborah Elizabeth Mapp

On January 19, 2026, the Lord called home to Eternal Glory Mrs. Deborah Elizabeth Mapp. She passed away peacefully at Sentara Heart Hospital, Norfolk, Virginia, just 10 days shy of her 75th birthday. She was a loving wife and mother of five children and the first of nine siblings to be called Home. While our hearts are tender and deeply saddened by her unexpected passing, God has had His Perfect Way.

The third born of nine children, Deborah was predeceased by her parents, Eric E. Yarbrough, Jr., and Pastor Mittie Catherine Yarbrough. She leaves to cherish her memory DeForest A. Mapp, her doting husband of 56 years, and five children: DeForest K. Mapp, Antonio K. Mapp (LaTisha), DeMonica L. Mapp, Kevin A. Mapp (Abi), and Nevin E. Mapp; three grandchildren: Justin, Logan and Madison; eight siblings: Minister Cathy K. Tatum (Ronald, Sr.), Missionary Dr. JoAnne Yarbrough Carver, Eric E. Yarbrough III (Zoraida), Lynn W. Yarbrough, Sr., John G. Yarbrough, Yolander Yasmin Yarbrough Davis, Micah J. Yarbrough, Esq., and Missionary Robin A. Hammond; a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her church family.

Born at the Portsmouth Naval Hospital, the family lived in Norfolk, Virginia, where she spent her early years attending R. A. Tucker and Bowling Park Elementary Schools. When the family moved to Portsmouth, she continued her education at Cavalier Manor Elementary and S. H. Clarke Jr. High School. Deborah had a deep passion for learning, especially English and Spanish. She was a majorette in the Marching Band under the direction of the legendary Mr. Emery Fears, and she loved interacting with fellow classmates and students from other graduating classes. In 1969, she graduated from I.C. Norcom High School.

Deborah and DeForest were married on August 4, 1969, and then moved to Saluda, Virginia, where DeForest began a teaching career. Upon returning to Portsmouth with their first child. Deborah began matriculating at Norfolk State College, eventually earning an Associate of Science (in Secretarial Science) in 1974. Being caring and protective parents, Deborah and DeForest desired the very best for their five children and held very high expectations for them. Those nurturing parental qualities helped produce children who excelled as a Reality TV Show Producer/architectural designer, an engineer, an entrepreneur, a social activist, and a public servant.

Deborah was described by classmates, co-workers, friends, and family as kind with a spirit of giving and the ability to forgive others-even in the midst of conflict, intelligent and versatile, with a strong inclination for perfection. Her siblings describe her as "The Martha Stewart of the Family," adept, meticulous, and creative in her culinary and gift basket wrapping skills. No matter how simple the occasion or plain the gift, showing up with beautifully decorated packages, sometimes in mass quantities, was routine behavior for her. A plastic trinket would be wrapped to perfection. A serving of "Yock" (her husband's favorite dish) must be prepared just right! Deborah's hilariously repeated motto is, "I don't like doing no 'Bo-Bo' stuff!" These traits are also displayed in her personal environment. Even with five children, her home was kept clean, neat, and attractively decorated.

Professionally, she took much pride in being proficient and meticulous in executing job tasks as well. After entering the workforce, she worked as the administrative assistant for the City of Norfolk Dept of Recreation and later as an administrative assistant for the City of Norfolk Dept of Neighborhood Quality. As a result of her excellent speaking skills, she was selected by the Norfolk City Manager to serve as the "automated voice" for the newly developed office telephone directory. She was actively involved with the church, I. C. Norcom High School alumni, and the local chapter of The International Association of Administrative Professionals (IAAP) activities. Deborah co-authored with her husband the initiative to change the name of Project Drive to Wilson Parkway in the Jeffrey Wilson Homes in Portsmouth.

Raised in a Christian home, Deborah learned early in life the importance of developing a relationship with the Lord. At the tender age of 15 years old, she gave her life to Christ. In later adulthood, she became fully committed to fulfilling her Christian duties as a licensed missionary and ordained minister with a special anointing and a gift of prophecy. A longtime member of The First Church of Deliverance Outreach Ministries, she was very active in church affairs. She was the Church Treasurer and Recording Secretary for the Church Board of Directors. Her commitment and attention to detail in coordinating special projects and activities such as the Annual Church "Back to School" Supplies Project, the Salvation Army Christmas Stocking activity, and the Thanksgiving and Christmas food drives were superb. She was diligent in her execution of outreach missionary prayer and praise sessions with local nursing homes and families; assigned Sunday sermons and Bible Study sessions; led independent external prayer sessions as needed; and made special prayer and praise in-home visitations with her prayer partner and sibling. She exhibited a creative, positive, enthusiastic approach to Christian tasks and family needs. Minister Deborah Mapp consistently modeled the behavior of a vibrant Christian African American woman in the 21st century.

"We are living in the last and final days," said Deborah to her family on many occasions. "While no man knows the day nor the hour in which Christ will return, we do know that one day everyone will give an account. 'Choose ye this day whom you will serve'!"