Deborah "Debbi Deb Little Debbie" Wilson-Taylor

Deborah Wilson-Taylor was born on December 24, 1953 in Pocomoke City, Maryland to the late Woodrow Wilson, Sr. and Eura Lee Wilson. At the time of her birth, she was the 7th amongst what would be ten children. Deborah passed away at 70 years old on November 29, 2024 at the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center at 10:26 AM after a tenacious battle with cancer.
Debbie, as she was affectionately known, graduated from Pocomoke High School in 1971. During this time, she committed her life to Christ while attending St. James United Methodist Church and became actively involved in her church.
Debbie attended the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, where she graduated in 1975 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. Her love for her alma mater inspired her to be instrumental in chartering and incorporating The University of Maryland Southern Maryland Alumni Chapter. She was a proud life member of the National Alumni Association.
During her time at UMES, she made the choice to join the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Debbie went on to have a fulfilling 40-year career in her field of study. During the early part of her career, she received a Master's Degree in Education. She was known for her creativity and vivacity in the schools where she worked.
In 1978, Debbie met Johnny Taylor and she was awestruck. The two were married in 1980 and shortly after, gave birth to their daughter Tiffany on April 4, 1980. Tragically, Johnny's life ended in 1984 and Debbie became a widow. Despite this turn in her life, Debbie continued to carry a passion for serving in her church, community, and profession.
Debbie was always that bright, smiling face that met you at the doors of South Potomac Church with a hug. She made whatever you were feeling when you walked through the doors disappear in an instant, even if just for a moment. She enjoyed meeting with her prayer group and was an active volunteer. Even if you didn't know Debbie personally, her genuine empathy for those she encountered in the church was palpable and her voice during praise and worship was easily distinguishable in the congregation. For such a little woman, she was larger than life!
Debbie was also deeply involved in her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was committed to exhibiting the pillar of "sisterly love" not just with her sorors, but with anyone needing that kind of love and support. Deborah played a huge role in supporting her chapter in any way that would continue to uphold the prestige and legacy of the AKA Sisterhood. Whatever duties she took on were done with excellence, as she would have it no other way.
Debbie was almost always instrumental and present at community, fundraising, and charitable events. Her most cherished accomplishments with the Nu Zeta Omega Chapter were first becoming a life member and then achieving the honor of being a Silver Star. She will be remembered for her brilliant smile and her spicy demeanor.
Her dedication to her students and her commitment to the high quality of education she provided was always evident in the countless thank you cards and tokens of appreciation that she would receive from students, parents, and colleagues. From Kindergarten to 6th grade, Debbie has touched countless generations of children with her love and knowledge. Not only has she touched the lives of so many children, but was an integral part in many of the lives of fellow educators she met along her professional journey. She was often recognized for her hard work and dedication in the field of education and was a powerful mentor to many that were or are currently working in education.
Deborah was preceded in death by her husband, Johnny M. Taylor; parents, Woodrow, Sr. and Eura Lee Wilson; sister, Cora Robinson; and brothers, Robert Wilson, William "Billy" T. Grant, and Leroy A. Grant.
Debbie is survived by her daughter and only child, Tiffany Taylor; mother-in-law, Mamie Lee Gumby (Samuel); her sisters, Janie Christopher (Frances), Mae Palmer (Michael), Vickie J. Wilson, and Peggy Dickerson (Anthony); sister-in-law, Mamie Grant (William); and brother, Woodrow Wilson, Jr. She will be missed by her grandsons, Calen Coney and Keand Brown, Jr., as well as her adopted children, Bonnie Addison-Minor, Nicole, and Rashaun Gregory; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Lovingly submitted,
The Family