DEBRA JEAN (ELLIS) BLACK

Official Notice of Transition For Ms. Debra J. Black (Eastman , GA)

Debra was so loved by so many. Her mere presence literally brought smiles to all who knew her. To
know her was no ordinary experience; it was extraordinary joy. On Sept 14, 1954, the late Marvin and
Carrie Mae Ellis gave birth to Debra Jean Ellis. Debra spent most of her childhood years on Railroad
Street in Milan, Georgia and graduated at the age of 16 in 1971 from Telfair County High School where
she voted “Wittiest” and developed many lifelong relationships and discovered the realities of the joy
and pain of growing up.
As a young girl, Debra joined Collins Chapel CME Church and made friends with her Savior, Jesus Christ.
With her gentle spirit, she pressed forward and defeated many challenges and celebrated even more
victories among which were the birth of her children. Debra Jean met and married Ronald “Polk” Black
and to their union were born two of the three apples of her eye, Yoronda “Mikki” Black and the late
Ricardo “Reco” Rodriguez Black. Later she would give birth to her other shining light, her baby boy,
Antonio “Tony” Landell Black. Debra was an impressive employee and was an asset to both Hazlehurst
Mill and Roper. Even after retirement, she continued to reflect a strong work ethic.
Debra Jean was well known for her “tell it like it is” personality, infectious laughter, beautiful smile, love
of the beach, and for her unmovable connection and dedication to her children, Mikki and Tony, and to
her grandchildren and great-granddaughter whom she would gladly tell everyone who listened how
proud she was of each of them. Kwame, Kyle, O’Bryant, Kaden, and Aubrey could not have been more
loved by this amazing grandmother. Among her other devotions was being a phenomenal Auntie to both
Lynn, Terrell, Chris, and Nick.
There is so much to say about a life so full of living…our memories will never run out of stories to bring
joy to our lives. The shock of her passing from a sudden heart attack has left us broken-hearted and is a
pain that feels too heavy to move, but with every memory and recollection of her, we will embrace her
love and press forward till we, one day, also achieve the heavenly destination she most assuredly has
claimed. Debra Jean (Ellis) Black has exchanged places with mortality, accepted her crown of glory, put
on immortality, and is now perfectly and eternally healed. Preceding her in death, but greeting her in
heaven, are her Mother Carrie Mae (Cooper) Ellis, her Father Marvin Ellis, Her beloved Sister Wylene
Ellis, Loving Brothers, Randolph Ellis and Henry Ellis, and Son, Reco Black. For 68 years, Debra Jean gave
it all she had and then some. We are forever changed because she loved us, and we will always love her.
We honor God for her life and her love.
Leaving to cherish her memory and to honor her legacy of life, love, and laughter are her adored
children, Yoronda (Hahran) Miller of Atlanta, GA ; Antonio (Yateca) Black of Macon, GA.; Well-Loved
Grandchildren, Tavares Kwame Brown of McRae-Helena, GA; Kyle Harris Mcrae, Ga, O’Bryant Rozier
(Dublin, Ga); Kayden Miller (Atlanta, Ga) beloved Great-Granddaughter, Aubrey Johnson, a very special
niece, Lynn Ellis, and a devoted nephew, Nick Ellis, all of Eastman, GA.
Complementing the circle of love for Debra Jean Black are special friends, Michelle McRae, Daphene
Singleton, and Barbara Powell, who provided special care and support for Debra as she recovered from a
previous illness. A special friend and cousin Georgia Mae McRae. Along with, a loving host of
Godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, church members, co-workers, neighbors, close friends,
community liaisons, medical staff and other divinely assigned angels on Debra’s walk of life. Your
influence impacted Debra. We honor all that you brought to her life.

Final rites are entrusted into the professional hands of Golden Gates Burial & Cremation Services. “Serving Your Family In Your Time Of Need, Turning Your Tears Into A Golden Memory With Dignity And Respect. Always Leaving A Golden Touch. Service Is Our Passion Dignity Is Our Name”