Deborah Diane Vance-Wilkerson

Deborah Diane Vance-Wilkerson was born on January 29, 1955, to Bobbie Vance-Cunningham in Shreveport, Louisiana. She transitioned to eternity on July 15, 2023. 

Deborah graduated from Webster High School in 1973. She went on to attend Grambling University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology in 1977. She later attended Amberton University where she earned a Master of Science degree in Human Relations, Business, and Human Resources Management in 1985. She also earned a Master of Science degree in Psychology from Capella University in 2007 and a Master of Arts degree in Professional Counseling from Amberton University in 2015. Deborah worked in banking before pursuing a longtime career in education and mental health. She worked at Texas Instruments/Texas Credit Union as a Loan Officer. Dallas Independent School District as a Science Teacher, the University of Phoenix as a Professor, and the Child and Family Guidance Center as a Lead Therapist. Her professional achievements included being distinguished as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts (LPHA).

Affectionately known as "Cissy", Deborah married the love of her life, Norman Otto Wilkerson, on April 18, 1992. The two remained united until his passing in June 2000. 

Deborah accepted Christ and remained steadfast in her faith. In the spirit of service and sisterhood, she was initiated in the Spring of 1998 into the membership of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, of which she was a proud member for more than 25 years. 

Among many hobbies and interests, Deborah delighted in watching Tik Tok videos, doing home improvement projects, and watching True Crime shows and Alaska: The Last Frontier. She most enjoyed spending time with her daughter. 

Deborah will be fondly remembered for her strong, smart, fun, and resourceful nature. Her selfless spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved her. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Otto Wilkerson; and mother, Bobbie Vance-Cunningham. Those left to cherish precious memories include her daughter, Kelsea Simone Wilkerson; son, Damion Phillips; granddaughter, Kayla Phillips; cousin-sister, Patricia Ann Vance; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Storks Nest Charity Fund of Dallas by clicking the link below.