Debra Barnes

DEBRA BARNES was born February 2, 1961, in Nassau County, New York to the late Shirley Coleman and Millidge“Billy” Carter. Fun Fact: Debra was actually born in an ambulance, so befitting of her nature to do things her way from the beginning . Debra attended the public school system in New York City. She graduated from Jamaica High School and later in her years she sought out the desire to continue her education by attending Borough of Manhattan Community College.

Beginning young Debra was known to have a passion for being around children. It didn’t matter if they were family or just fromher neighborhood. She loved braiding the girls hair and going on outgoings with all the children. She loved to explore different places (parks or anywhere she thought would be fun and enjoyable) and was known to take the children with her. This was something that never changed over the years.

In 1986 Debra was blessed to marry her lifelong best friend Otis L. Barnes. To this union her daughter Tiffany was born. Years later after the loss of her husband she was blessed to give birth to her daughter Tori Monae Medlock. Debra held employment at MetLife but left soon after to work at Bernard Fineson.

Debra faced some difficult circumstances, however she managed to overcome some of them and was baptized at Family Life Worship Cathedral on December 29, 2011. Debra was able to find her true passion and was ecstatic when she was offered an employment opportunity at Mount Sinai Morning Side as a Peer Advocate with the “Coming Home Project”. She was able to learn and teach all while being a part of a group that strived for greater good. These things were what fed Debra’s soul. She took immense pride as well as pleasure in fulfilling the needs of her peers. Debra’s role as facilitator for the women’s group “Our Journey” was invaluable as was her unwavering commitment to participate in the AIDS and Kidney Walk where raising funds for these important causes gave her much joy.

In July of the year 2020 Debra decided to relocate to Charlotte, North Carolina and enjoyed southern living. Debra was aesthetic when her daughter Tiffany and granddaughter Emily soon followed suit and relocated near her.

Debra was called home on May 29, 2023. Preceding her in death was her husband Otis Barnes, daughter Tori Monae Medlock, mother Shirley Coleman, father Billy Carter, siblings Mark Anthony and Yvette and her uncle Leroy “Bud” Walker.

Debra leaves to mourn her daughter Tiffany Barnes; granddaughter Emily Gibson; brothers James, Phillip, Terry, Matthew (Tiscia), Ronald, Charles (Vanessa) and William; sisters Doris, Rosetta, Stephanie, Elizabeth, Ebony, Angelise and Natasha; aunt Marie Walker; best friend Evangeline (Vangie); Godchildren Michael, Larry, Summer, Jaida, Shakeera and Kaisson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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