Deborah Alston Edmonds was the sixth of seven children, deeply rooted in the Paducah community. She learned the importance of work and perseverance early in life from her father, an original Tuskegee Airman. Inspired by her father's pioneering spirit, who opened the community’s first African-American owned real estate agency, Deborah's motivation to give back to her community began at a young age. She was one of the first African-American cheerleaders at Paducah Tilghman High School.
Deborah graduated from Western Kentucky University with a major in Merchandising and Interior Design and a minor in Economics. She began her career as an Interior Designer for Sherwin Williams, later working at the Renaissance House for troubled youth, and then at Snyder’s Department Store as Assistant Manager and Personnel Director. Her drive and determination, nurtured by her loving and supportive parents, led her to own an Allstate Insurance Agency. As the owner of Edmonds Insurance Agency as an Executive Allstate Agent, Deborah was dedicated to offering her customers the best insurance coverage and service to meet their individual needs. She also provided investment advice and estate planning, conducting seminars throughout the community to teach others how to plan for their future.
Deborah and her husband, Eddie, have three sons and eleven grandchildren. She was an active member of Washington Street Missionary Baptist Church, serving as Deaconess, Sunday School teacher, and numerous other capacities. Deborah was a devoted mentor to several young women in the community and served on numerous volunteer boards. She had a long-standing commitment to the Paducah Chamber of Commerce, where she was the first Black chairperson. Deborah was also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for over 50 years. Her leadership experience included serving as past president of the State Alliance of Kentucky for National Boys and Girls Clubs, past board president of the Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club of Paducah, and past Chair of the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, she held key roles as a board member of Lourdes Hospital, the Citizens & Visitors Bureau, and Paducah Water, as well as past Chair of the West Kentucky Community and Technical College Board. In 2006, she served as Vice-Chairman of the United Way of Paducah-McCracken County and was a past board member of the Market House Theatre. Deborah was honored twice with the title of Duchess of Paducah, reflecting her deep commitment to the community.
Deborah, a self-made drama queen, became the life of the party wherever she went. She was “Mama Dee” to many youths whom she loved and nurtured as her own. Her unwavering dedication to her family and the community is an inspiration to all who knew her. Her contributions have left a lasting impact, and her legacy of service and love will continue to resonate throughout her family and Paducah.
Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Harold T. Alston, Sr. and Jethel Wall Alston, two brothers, Harold T. Alston, Jr. and George Ronald Alston, and one sister, Jacqueline Spurlin Hall.
She leaves to cherish her memories: Her Husband of 30 Years, Eddie Edmonds, III, Paducah, KY; Three Sons, Terence Williams (Melissa) and B. Gregory Williams (Andrea), both of Houston, TX and Quehemiah Edmonds (Sarah), Sacramento, CA; Eleven Grandchildren, Kortney Williams, Pearland, TX; Terence Christopher Williams, II; Waco, TX, Taryn Williams, Washington, DC; Gregory Judah Williams, Houston, TX; Micah Alexander Williams, Houston, TX; Zachariah Aleo, Phoenix, AZ; Darshan Adams, Isaiah Adams, Jasmine Williams, Quehemiah Edmonds, Jr. Quemiah Edmonds, all from Northern California; Also Four Great-Grandchildren; Two Sisters, Diane Johnson (Marvin), Memphis, TN and Pamela Vaughn (Clarence), Boca Raton, FL; One Brother, Bryan Alston (Melanie Mathis), Paducah, ,KY; Four Sisters-In-Law, Cynthia Alston, Paducah, KY; Donna Jones Baker (Greg), Cincinnati, OH; Debra Edmonds, Paducah, KY and Dameta Sanders, Phoenix, AZ; One Brother-In-Law, Kenny Edmonds, Paducah, KY; Four Nephews, George Mahin, Jr., Louisville, KY, Martin Vaughn, Boca Raton, FL, Derek Vaughn (Courtney) Scottsdale, AZ, Gerard Vaughn (Brandi), Atlanta, GA; Seven Nieces, Ardis Hall, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Margaret Akinsemoyin (Rilwan) Murfreesboro, TN, Michelle Thompson, Killeen/Ft. Hood, TX, Melissa Newton (Meryl) Frisco, TX, Stephanie Reynolds (Paul) Severn, MD, Jayme Williams (John) Phoenix, AZ, Brittany Roston (Jeremy) Phoenix, AZ; One Aunt, Constance Broyles (Lysanias) Davenport, IA; A Host of Great Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Bonus Children, Loving Godchildren and Unwavering Friends and Extended Family.
Also, donations of your choice may be made to the following: Washington Street Warming Center, 739 Washington Street, Paducah, KY; Oscar Cross Boys and Girls Club of Paducah, 2956 Park Avenue Paducah, KY 42001, or the Community Kitchen, 1247 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Paducah, KY 42001.
Funeral Services are scheduled for Friday, November 8 2024, 2:30 p.m. at Washington Street Baptist Church with Reverend Raynarldo Henderson. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens.
Family will receive friends Friday at the church from 12:30 p.m. until the funeral hour.
Omega Omega Service: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will be conducted at 2:00 p.m.
You may light a cande or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
