Ms. Deborah Kelley

The Life of Deborah A. Kelley

Our precious sister, Deborah Ann Saucier-Kelley, affectionately known as Debbie, was a woman of great determination and fortitude. She departed from this life on July 21, 2023, in Livonia, Michigan after being hospitalized for an unexpected illness.

Debbie was born in Biloxi, MS, on May 25, 1954, to Shirley M. Gray (Norwood) and Julian Saucier. Later, her mother remarried and Debbie was raised by her loving father Heard Gray Jr. Years later the new family moved to Detroit. She was the beloved only sibling of her little "big" sister, Sharon. Debbie accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age. She attended Assumption Catholic Schools and Northwestern High School in Detroit. She later met and married her husband, Charles Kelley, (a former US Soldier). Debbie was preceded in death by her husband and parents. She worked in several fields for many years including as a supervisor at Ticketmaster, as a hostess/server and in the automotive field.

Debbie had a passion for Louisiana style cooking and learned how to prepare many traditional Creole dishes and baked goods from family recipes she learned from her mom and several culinary programs. Her culinary masterpieces were renowned within her family and community, especially her chicken salad, jambalaya, cornbread dressing, and sweet potato pies. Debbie also loved fishing and the outdoors (including plants and animals) and had an enviable green thumb.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her sister Sharon (Redento) Johnson, nieces LaParise (Cornelius) Elerson, Eboni (Antonie) Williams, great nieces and nephews, Kyleah and Malakai Gray, Jalyn Hyman, Antonie Williams Jr., Joziah, CJ, Shardae and Monie Elerson, Carlito Johnson, Kuanus Hardnett.

Debbie is survived by her loving uncle Zan (Shirley) Macon and aunt Sarah Helm, dear cousins, Annette Smith, William Smith, Richard Smith, Maurice Smith, Marguerite Pickens, Darryl Macon, Rosie Macon, and Wanda (Randy) Rose, precious family in-laws Barbara Roman, Faye Willis, the Benson family, two lifelong best friends, Lisa Davis, Myrtle Stuckey, and special friends Carlon Dixon, Alana Call, along with a host of additional relatives and close friends, that were all a valued part of Debbie's rich tapestry of life.

Debbie was dearly loved by her great aunt Myrtle Smith "Nanan", cousin Juliet Smith and uncle Willie D. (Bernice) Macon who also preceded her in death.

Let us remember Debbie not in sadness, but with a legacy of trusting God. loving family, while displaying a heart of gratitude and selfless giving.

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