Deborah Ann Tompkins-Jones Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Deborah Ann Tompkins-Jones was born on September 25, 1954 in Detroit, MI, as the first child of Irvin Tompkins Jr. and Annie Barmore. Deborah was baptized at an early age, and recently re-dedicated her life and professed Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Mt. Zion All Nations Bible Church in Dewitt, Michigan. Her family affectionately called her “Deb” or “Auntie Debbie.” She was a true force, a woman of action and one who believed in speaking exactly what was on her mind. Deborah didn’t know a stranger, a trait that she innately inherited from her mother Ann, who was her very best friend. Over the years, she invited countless friends and family in need to move in with her for indefinite periods of time. Deborah’s Freeland Street home was the place to be and be seen, where fun times and memorable moments were plentiful. This giving spirit was integral to Deborah’s identity, as a person who loved unconditionally and gave freely. Deb had an extremely close relationship with her brother, Edward and spent her teenage years taking care of him while their mother worked. She took him everywhere, even to hang out with her at high school football games—they were inseparable. Following her graduation from Mumford High School, Deborah went to work for Sanders Bakery, where she met and fell in love with Andre Carlos Hamilton. To this relationship was born Deborah’s only child, Tanisha Ann, or Tee, as she so affectionately called her – the apple of her eye. After many years, Deborah found love for a second time and married her best friend, Tommie “Cisco” Jones. Together, they planned and took annual family road trips, hosted many card parties with their best friends Mae and James Smith, and continued to entertain with family and friends during every holiday. Cisco helped raise Tanisha as his very own. His presence in their lives allowed Deb to become a stay-at-home mom, spending more quality time with Tanisha during her childhood years. Deborah later matriculated on to Marygrove College in Detroit to pursue a certification in the healthcare arena. Her passion for helping others translated into a burgeoning career in the home healthcare profession. She thrived and enjoyed providing competent care for some of the S.E. Michigan’s most vulnerable citizens – the sick, infirmed, and aged. In early 2013, Deborah relocated to Okemos, MI, to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law, and her grandchildren. She loved to cook her special brand of “soulful food.” Additionally, she enjoyed sharing the kitchen with her son-in-law, Tyrone to prepare the family’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner—her dressing and mac and cheese was a force to be reckoned with. Another one of her favorite pastimes was traveling. She traveled with her daughter to Mexico and Jamaica on numerous occasions, but her favorite was her annual trip to Daytona Beach, FL to visit her late bestie Donna Geter and Godson David. Deborah also loved playing bingo and slots (Blazing 7’s which was her mom’s favorite) during her occasional trips to the casino. Mostly, Deborah enjoyed creating memories with her daughter, Tanisha and grandchildren, Lauryn, Bryce, and Ayden, whom she loved dearly. She looked forward to her many mother-daughter moments with Tanisha, weekly Meijer and Walmart shopping trips with Lauryn, weekend sleepovers with Ayden or the opportunity to catch one of Bryce’s choir concerts. She remained vibrant and active even while silently and valiantly fighting various debilitating physical ailments. Deborah made her peaceful transition on February 8, 2021, with her beloved daughter Tanisha and son-in-law, Tyrone at her side. She leaves to cherish her life, legacy and memory, her daughter, Tanisha Ann Sanders (Tyrone); brother, Edward King (Tish); granddaughter, Lauryn Linnell Sanders; grandsons, Bryce Logan Dean Sanders and Ayden Elijah Sanders; godsons James Smith II and David Thorpe; many special cousins; Tee’s close sister-friends who were her “adopted” daughters; and a host of loyal and loving family and friends. Preceding Deborah in death were her mother, Ann (Barmore) King; father, Irvin Tompkins Jr.; special dad, Edward King Sr. and her chosen sisters and best friends; Mae Smith and Donna Geter. In lieu of flowers, a charitable fund has been established in honor of our mother, Deborah Ann Tompkins-Jones. If you desire to make a tax-deductible gift, go to https://cfsem.org/give/ and complete the following steps: 1) input donation amount; 2) check “Tribute Gift”; 3) select “In Memory of” from drop down menu; 4) type “Deborah Tompkins-Jones”into the space provided; 5) fill in personal and credit card info; 6) press “Donate” button. Thanks for your kind consideration & invaluable support. Tanisha & Tyrone

Deborah Ann Tompkins-Jones

September 25, 1954 - February 8, 2021