Debra Anita Langford

The Life and Legacy of
Sister Debra Anita Scott Langford
"And now abideth faith, hope, and charity, these three but the greatest of these is charity (I Corinthians 13:13). Throughout her life, our beloved loved one, Debra Anita Scott Langford exemplified this scripture in her daily walk. Debra was the last of fourteen children, born to the late Bettie T. Palmer and Roy Scott on February 23, 1957, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. To everyone she encountered. Debra always and cheerfully let it be known that she was the "prettiest of them all." However, she was so much more than the prettiest. She was a daughter, sister, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend and quite fondly known as "Mama Dee." Debra was always willing to extend a helping hand to others, for she loved everyone and she truly never met a stranger. Small in stature, with a loving and generous heart, Debra was an energetic, bubbly and authentic people-person. She loved mentoring young people and she realized early in life that her purpose was to love and show kindness to others.
Debra confessed her hope in Christ at an early age and joined Allen Temple under the leadership of Rev. P. H. Russell and she remained a good and faithful servant until her passing. She was especially proud of her role as a member of the church Culinary Team and never missed an opportunity to serve.
She graduated from Pine Bluff High School in 1975 and attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. After exploring various career opportunities, she found her place in the food service industry.
She skillfully worked her way up from the position of cook, to a supervisory position with the Jefferson Regional Medical Center (JRMC) Food Service Department; where she remained for 19 years.
Mama Dee touched the lives of so many young people by encouraging them to pursue higher education and to work toward fulfilling their dreams. From the medical doctors to housekeeping, Debra knew everyone by name and they knew "Mama Dee." She loved to make people laugh, strived to make people feel at ease, loved having fun, entertaining friends and family, and she loved music.
Debra cherished her sons and beamed with adoration at the mention of their names. She also loved her devoted husband Glen and they enjoyed spending quality time together. She adored her family and adopted her nephews and nieces as her children; by mentoring them and supporting each of their unique needs.
Debra's wonderful legacy will continue through her husband, Glen Langford; two sons – Darnell Wright (April) and Marcus Wright (Tiffany), six grandchildren – Jasmine, Jadon, Malaya, Mackayle, Mackayla, and Liyah; two brothers - Joseph W. Palmer and Donald D. Mayo; five sisters – Marjorie Hampton and Beverly A. Murray of Chicago, Illinois, JoAnn Birden (Edward) and Dorothy Clark of Pine Bluff, and Patricia Mayo of Saginaw, Michigan; two bonus daughters, Glynnis Hilton and Krystal Myles (Shaun); four bonus grandchildren – Aiden, Morgan, Brooklyn, and Myia; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents – Mr. & Mrs. Sherman Carter and Mr. & Mrs. Ruben Jackson; brothers – Richard, Earl, Jerry, Ronald and her beloved Stanley; and one sister – Gloria Goodrum.
"She reaches out to the needy; she stretches her hands out to the poor. She doesn't fear for her household when it snows, because they are all dressed in warm clothes."
(Proverbs 31:20)
Visitation 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 7, 2024, at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church Pine Bluff, AR. Funeral Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 8, 2024, at Allen Temple A.M. E. Church Pine Bluff, AR by Pastor Daniel Johnson, Sr. Interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery Pine Bluff, AR by Brown Funeral Home of Pine Bluff, AR. Her body will lie in-state from 1:15 p.m. until service time.
Obituary submitted by The Family.