Deborah Lee Matthews, daughter of the late Phillip M. Matthews, Sr., and Dorothy Lee (Tate) Matthews, was born on October 15, 1958. She departed this earthly life on August 22, 2023.

Deb received her early education in Wilmington, Delaware, where she was born and raised.  She attended Delaware State College (now Delaware State University), majoring in Nursing/Human Services.  She continued her education at Springfield College.  Deb also completed advanced training in Community Capacity Building, Business Development Management, Crisis Intervention and Human Services.

Deb was a committed public service servant with 35+ years of experience, passion, and dedication in human services. She worked with various non-profits and for-profits, focusing on building independence and self-sufficiency in the clientele that she served. Deb was the consummate caregiver… always there to support, encourage, advocate and follow up with her clients.

Deb was truly merciful and compassionate with anyone she came in contact with that was hurting. Her unconditional love left an indelible imprint on every life she touched. She attended Nothing But the Word Deliverance Church in Florence, New Jersey, under Apostle Patricia A. Phillips. When she moved to Delaware, she attended Through the Word Bible Church under Pastor David & Bernadette Mills for ten years until the Holy Spirit directed her to return to Nothing But The Word in Florence, New Jersey.

One of Deb’s biggest and most impactful accomplishments was Kingdom Connectors, Inc., a non-profit she birthed to provide resources and advocacy to those underserved populations in need, especially issues surrounding Mental Health and its impact on Youth.

Deborah leaves to cherish fond and loving memories, a sister, Phyllis Matthews; a half-sister, Linda Gibbs (Eugene); a brother, Phillip Matthews, Jr.; four nieces, Francine, Chasity, Selena and Taylor; four nephews, Michael, James, Nation, and Stanley; an aunt and uncle, Mary White and James Matthews; a devoted cousin, Charlene Ray; Vanessa Webster’s children, (whom she was a second mother to), Tamika, Timothy, Tina, Terhan, Travis, and David; and a host of other cousins, friends and relatives.