Deborah LaStar Williams

Deborah LaStar Williams

March 13, 2026 | Age 37

Deborah LaStar Williams, age 37, passed away on March 13, 2026. She was a woman of deep faith whose life reflected her love for God, her church, and the people she held dear.

Deborah was born in Miami, Florida to mother Mamie Helen Hilliard Williams and father Calvin Williams. After her father passed, Deborah was raised by her mother, Mamie Helen Hilliard Williams, and her grandparents Hiawatha and Minnie Ruth Hilliard, and aunts and uncle (Anna Naomi Hilliard Revell, Rosa Carolyn Hilliard, Barbara Lynette Hilliard Peters, Satrina Rena Hilliard Lord, and Hiawatha Daniel Hilliard).

During her early teen years, Deborah lived in Anchorage, Alaska with her Aunt Satrina and Uncle Ken Lord and their two children, Ryan and MacKenzie. Deborah attended Junior and Senior High School while in Alaska. Deborah also spent occasional summers in Upstate New York at Camp Regis-Applejack, mountain biking, camping outdoors, hiking, going on trips to Montreal and Toronto, or just hanging out with new friends.

Deborah remained close with family throughout her life, even after becoming a young adult living in Arizona and Florida before making her home in Durham, North Carolina. She loved spending time with her Uncle Danny and Aunt Peggy in their Durham home.

Deborah was actively involved in her church community, where she found joy in fellowship, service, and spiritual growth. Her faith was a guiding light, shaping the kindness, compassion, and warmth she shared with everyone she encountered.

She had a love for movies and treasured the simple pleasures of time spent with family and friends. Deborah had a wonderful smile, and was persistent at times about certain things:

“Let’s go to the movies as a family.”

“Do you think Danielle would like to spend the night at my apartment when you all come to North Carolina?”

She loved to sing in the car and with her cousin Danielle. Deborah’s laughter, caring spirit, and genuine heart made her a beloved presence in the lives of those who knew her.

Deborah had a deep love for children, and her dream was to become a third-grade math teacher, a reflection of her nurturing spirit and desire to help young minds grow and succeed.

Her Aunt Carolyn recalls, “During my time I spent with Deborah as we talked about her everyday life, I was always aware of her sincere love for children, which is why she preferred jobs at nurseries and/or day care centers.”

Her Aunt Barbara remembers Deborah as a little girl. “I have so many pictures of Deborah during our time in South Florida with her mom and dad (Calvin Williams – deceased). Deborah was always shy and timid as a little girl. Her cousins, Adam and Bryan Peters, seemed to get a kick out of sneaking up on her and shouting ‘Boo!’ Deborah was sure to give a soft shriek of fright no matter what.”

Deborah leaves behind a legacy of faith, friendship, and cherished memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who loved her. She will be remembered for her devotion, her joyful personality, and the love she freely gave. Her memory will forever be a source of comfort and inspiration.