Debra Ann White

On December 26, 2025, Debra White, age 73, was called to her heavenly home. Debra was born on October 2, 1952, in Norfolk County, Virginia, to the late Annie B. Wilson and Joe Simpkins, and was the oldest of eight children. She graduated from Great Bridge High School and went on to pursue a career in the medical field, where she continued to work faithfully until the time of her passing. Debra served as a Medical Coder Coordinator at Lake Taylor Hospital for 23 years.

A native of Chesapeake, VA, it was there that she met and married her friend and companion of 43 years, Walter White. Debra loved her family deeply and enjoyed spending time laughing, talking, and simply being together. She possessed a rare and beautiful spirit, selfless, gentle, peaceful, and resolute no matter what the circumstance. She embodied Philippians 4:6–7, "that peace of God that surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." She found comfort in knowing that, regardless of what life brought, everything would work out.

Debra enjoyed scrapbooking, collecting photo memories of family and friends, and assembling dollhouses. Anyone who had the pleasure of opening one of her photo albums knew immediately what mattered most to her: family. She took immense pride in preserving memories and carefully tended to the family tree. In every photograph and every thoughtfully documented moment, her greatest joy shone through the love she held for those she cherished. Not only did she treasure family in her albums, but she also made it a priority to stay connected with others. She never missed an opportunity to share a kind word, check in, or remind you that she loved you and was thinking of you. Her selflessness was evident in the way she consistently put others before herself.

She found joy in expressing her gratefulness to God for her blessings, for her family, and for the gift of another day, even when life was "life-ing." Debra had a genuine heart for others and carried a quiet strength that touched everyone who knew her. To those who loved her, Debra's life reflects the promise of Psalm 73:26: "My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." This scripture captures the foundation of her strength and the peace she carried throughout her life.

Debra was predeceased by her parents, Annie B. Wilson and Joe Simpkins, her bonus dad, Melvin Wilson Sr, her brother, Melvin C. Wilson, Jr.; and her sisters, Millicent Boone and Meldrew Askew.

She leaves to adore and treasure her memory of her devoted husband, Walter White; her two sons, Devin and Dwight White; her sister, Virginia Mills (Sterling); and her brothers, McClinton Wilson (Margo), Kenneth Wilson, and Elijah Vaughan. She is also lovingly remembered by her aunt, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who were touched by her life.