Obituary of Deborah Stepter Williams

Deborah Stepter Williams, 81, peacefully transitioned on October 2, 2019 while residing at New Dawn Memory Care in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Born on December 18, 1937 in Tyronza, Arkansas, Deborah was the third of four children born to Willard and Rubia Stepter (nee Henley). In her youth she loved sports and fashion, and entered a beauty contest at 16, "just to see what it was like." She married James Sonny Williams (USAF) in 1958, and to that union were born three children. James preceded her in death in 1967 while stationed in California. Undaunted, Deborah raised her three children alone, defying the odds and stereotypes often ascribed to single-parent households. She took great pride in her children's numerous accomplishments. Following her husband's passing, she returned home to Arkansas to complete her BA in Elementary Education at what is now the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff, and was the first in her family to complete a four-year college degree. Having purchased a home with her husband in Colorado, she returned there to raise her children. After teaching for a year, she enrolled at Colorado College and completed a Master's degree in Education.Deborah made her mark in Colorado Springs history in 1981 when she successfully pursued a class action suit against the School District 11 (the second largest in the state at the time) for discriminatory hiring practices. The final decision of the appellate court led to improvements in how teachers of color were hired in the district. Throughout her life Deborah personified one of her favorite sayings, "Don't tell me what you tried to do, show me what you did."A strong believer in the Christian faith, Deborah attended St. John's Baptist Church and later Circle Drive Baptist Church, where she enjoyed Sunday School classes and preparing turkeys during the holidays for the needy. She was an avid reader, followed current events intensely and loved gardening, sewing, and crocheting. In her later years Deborah revealed an artistic bent, creating beautiful watercolors and floral arrangements. Fiercely independent, intellectually curious, and always an educator, Deborah left an indelible imprint on everyone she encountered. At the time of her transition Deborah was the last of her siblings to pass. She is survived by her children, Sharon Williams, Donna Williams (Joe) Kent and Kenneth Williams; her grandson, Joseph; two sisters-in-law, Katie Stepter and Frances Johnson,; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and caregivers who will all miss her indomitable and unforgettable spirit.Graveside Service, 1:00PM, Monday, November 4, 2019, Memphis National Cemetery, 3568 Townes Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38122. Events Graveside Monday, November 4, 2019 1:00PM Memphis National Cemetery 3568 Townes Avenue Memphis, TN 38122 Phone: (901)386-8311