Deborah Lewis-Spates, 73, of Berrien Springs, passed away, Friday, May 3, 2024, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital in St. Joseph.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 12:00 P.M. Noon Monday, May 13, 2024 at Highland Ave. Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2075 Highland Ave., Benton Harbor, MI with Pastor Denry White officiating. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 11:00 A.M. Monday at the Church. Those wishing to sign Deborah’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel, St. Joseph.
Deborah Lewis-Spates was born on August 25, 1950, in Birmingham, Alabama under the union of Wiley Lewis and Helen M. Robinson-Lewis. In June of 1956 their family moved to Detroit, Michigan and united with the Detroit City Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church. Deborah loved church and served in many capacities over her years. Her childhood activities at the Temple included Sabbath School, Pathfinders (Seaburn Hunter, Sr. & David Logan, Sr., leaders), Vacation Bible School, MV (AY) and Youth Forum.
Deborah’s love for music led her to join the City Temple (C. T.) Youth Choir at age 13; and as an adult, the Chancel Choir. Also, in her adult years she organized and directed the C. T. Gospel Choir. Her love for music led her to a leadership role as director of the C. T. Cherubs Children’s Choir. Under her leadership The Cherubs sang for Divine Worship services as well as concert performances at the Temple and around the Detroit area.
As a parent, Deborah was active an active member of the Home & School Association with the Peterson-Warren Academy. During her time, she also served in a leadership position. She was also a member of the Concerned Parents of Peterson, a group of parents who sold citrus fruits and apples to help support the cost of Christian education for their children.
Education was always important in the Lewis household. Deborah’s early childhood education began at Ephesus Jr. Academy in Birmingham, AL and then continued at Berean Elementary School, housed City Temple then on to Peterson-Warren Academy in Inkster, MI. During her time there, she placed first in the Annual Elocution Contest in 1963 and continued at PWA through grade 11. Her senior year was completed in Detroit Public Schools at Northwestern High where she graduated ninth in a class of 500. She was awarded a full scholarship to Wayne State University which she forfeited to attend Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI. While attending Andrews University Deborah directed the Harambee Choir. Deborah then transferred to Western Michigan University where she completed her B.S. Degree. She was also a member of the Horace Mann Society. She earned a master’s degree in special education from Wayne State University.
Deborah was united in holy matrimony to Ronald Spates on September 23, 1979. To this union, three children were born: Ronald Jr. “Jay”, Deborah LaRohyn and Stephen Anthony. In the Spring of 1995, the Spates Family moved to Berrien Springs, MI and united with the All Nations SDA Church. Deborah continued her love for music and children by organizing and directing the All Nation’s Children’s Choir, and then moving on to the All Nations Youth Choir. While at All Nations Deborah accepted the call spiritual leadership on her life and was ordained as an elder under the pastoral leadership of Dr. Walter L. Douglas. Along with her husband, Deborah continued to work in the church with the Family Life Ministry. Together, they provided many family recreation nights with games, sports, and affordable concessions. She also was active in the A.Y. Department, Women’s Ministry, Children’s Ministry, Youth Ministry, Sabbath School, and a member of the Adult Choir. Many years later, their family united with Niles Philadelphia SDA Church under the pastoral leadership of Julius Everett, Sr. Then, while in search of “that special congregation” Deborah united with Highland Avenue SDA Church where she served faithfully with the Greeter’s and Down and Out Community Ministries under the pastoral leadership of Senior Pastor Denry White. In addition to her local church service, Deborah was a committed participant and group leader in the Motor City Unity Prayer Line. She met faithfully with this group, in the morning hours, to lift her community in prayer.
Deborah’s professional employment included Campbell Elementary, a part of Detroit Public Schools. After leaving Detroit, she continued with classroom experience at the high school, middle and elementary levels, with the Benton Harbor Area Schools. During this time, she organized and directed a young Black men’s performance group at the middle school level that performed in and around the Benton Harbor Area. Deborah was also nominated and received the middle and high school Award for Outstanding Service. Finally, after many years of service, Deborah retired from the Benton Harbor Area School District in 2012.
Deborah enjoyed many hobbies over the course of her life, including music, public speaking, reading, roller skating, fashion, and shopping/online shopping. Her most favorite activity was Girls Night Out with her daughter and granddaughters.
After many years of service to God, family and friends, along with multiple health challenges, Deborah was called by God to rest from the toils and cares of this world on May 3, 2024 at 9:54 a.m. with her family by her side. She leaves behind to cherish her memory a loving husband, Ronald Sr.; three adult children, Ronald, Jr. “Jay”, Deborah LaRohyn and Stephen A. Spates (Angelica); three grandchildren, Zackarie Emmanuel, Teagan Neleh Alexandria, and Skylah Rose Joy LeNeh. Four siblings: Vera Z. Howell, Carolyn “SunSHYne” Marshall, Gertrude “Trudy” Watson (Kenneth), Celeste Z. Lewis and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and adopted family members who came along the way.
Posted On: Wednesday, May 8, 2024 9:12 AM
