Deborah Regan

Deborah Regina Regan, daughter of the late Moses V. and Irene Regan who preceded her in death, was born on June 17, 1952 in Baltimore, Maryland. She was the youngest of nine children. God would call Deborah back to Himself early in the morning on November 7, 2016 to rest by still waters with Him. Debbie or Regina, as she was so affectionately known by those around her, would grow up in the heart of Baltimore City. It is there she received her education which propelled her into a 30 year work relationship with the Maryland State Department of Corrections. There she would serve the population behind the walls with God’s love and respect. Debbie’s foundation for service, love and respect for others was built on the value system of her family where God is the head. Simmons Memorial Baptist Church would become that light on a hill for the entire family. Debbie served the church and community in various ministries. She served as a member of Pastor’s Aide Ministry and worked tirelessly on the Missionary Ministry and Kitchen Ministry while attending this great church for well over 50 years. On April 3, 2016, Debbie was ordained as a Deacon at Simmons Memorial Baptist Church and was excited to receive this honor. Debbie’s greatest calling was motherhood. She would be blessed with two treasures and raised them with the values and foundation to put God first. As she introduced the next generation of believers to Christ, her daughters Nikia Green and Wennell Butler would join the Simmons Memorial family raising their very own daughters and son in the love of God. Debbie lived life large and to make a connection with her was powerful and unforgettable. She had a passion for people of all ages, supporting whatever their needs were. She had a special fondness for the elderly in her church as well as the community, but she did not hesitate to share words of wisdom and time with the young people who many would refer to her as “Ma.” Debbie enjoyed spending time with her precious grandchildren who affectionately referred to as Nana (Taylor) and Nina (Hayden). Music, dance, family time and friendship were valuable to Debbie. Her smile and laughter would fill a room. Debbie’s love for cooking and shopping at thrift stores and yard sales was known by those closest to her. Debbie had the ability to dress a whole house from a thrift store, yard sale or most recently, Craigslist. She was a woman who said what needed to be said through love no matter how it made you feel. She leaves to cherish her memories and continue celebrating her life: her two daughters, Nikia Green and Wennell Butler, Isaiah Spriggs, a special nephew she cared for like a son; one sister, Doris McNeil; three grandchildren, Taylor Cohen, Hayden and Sani Simmons; a special friend, Walter Simon; two nieces and a great-nephew that she kept close, Vernell Watkins, Tonya Watkins and Nigel Watkins; two honorary mothers, Fannie McNeil and Rosa Mae Coles; two honorary daughters, Veronica Howell and Tiffany Christian and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and girlfriends who became sisters who will miss her dearly. Debbie was preceded in death by her siblings Ernest Carter, Laura Wilkins, Mildred Bradford, Mary Hall, Luther Carter, Paulette Ames, and Ronald Regan.

Tributes

Deborah Regan

June 17, 1952 - November 7, 2016