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Vanessa D. Royal (Hampton), affectionately known as Deb, was born on December 1, 1957, in Omaha, Nebraska, the sixth child of Jeanettia Steen and Wallace Murrell. She spent her early years in Omaha before marrying the late United States Army veteran Samuel D. Hampton in 1975 in Petersburg, Virginia. From that union, one son was born, Victor L. Hampton.
Deb later relocated to the Pacific Northwest to reunite with family and welcomed her beloved son, the late D’Wayne C. Hampton. A woman of compassion and service, she pursued nursing studies and found joy in caring for others through her work at Providence Hospital.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jeanettia Steen and Wallace Murrell, and her son, D’Wayne C. Hampton. Siblings Keith L. Ross (San Francisco, CA), Victor L. Royal (Omaha, NE), Linda D. Royal (San Diego, CA), Donna J. Royal (Vancouver, WA),
Deb is survived by her son, Victor L. Hampton, and her treasured grandson, DMarije Hampton, both of Portland, Oregon. She also leaves behind her sibling, Stanley Royal (Omaha, NE), along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
Those who mourn her include Antoinettia D. Royal (Las Vegas, NV), Dana and Anthony Royal (Portland, OR), Edwina McCray (San Diego, CA), and honorary nieces Angela Dent (Portland, OR), Shenise L. Miller (Vancouver, WA), and Daminica Reed (Vancouver, WA).
A longtime resident of Clackamas County, Deb built a community that became family — people who loved her deeply and will forever carry her memory in their hearts. Her warmth, resilience, and nurturing spirit will be profoundly missed.
Join us in celebrating her life on 7 Feb 2026 at 2 pm,
Repass & Obituary Reading held at
East Portland Community Center 740 SE 106th Portland, Oregon 97216
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
5625 NE Fremont St, Portland, OR 97213

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