Deborah Evette Lewis, daughter of the late Henry W. Lewis, Sr. and the late Sarah N. Lewis, was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Deborah was a member of the first graduating class of Harrisburg High School, Class of 1972. She was the first, black, head, majorette of the Harrisburg High Cougar Marching Band Front. She was selected to participate in Pennsylvania’s Big 33 Game as part of the combined school Band Front participants. She was known for her talent and skill for twirling the batons with lit flames.

Deborah continued her education at The University of Pittsburgh, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1979. Deborah served in the US Air Force Reserves and transferred later, serving in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge.

During her working career, she was employed at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Health. Deborah ended her working career at the National Alliance of Mental Illness, Pennsylvania (NAMI) PA, and served on the Dauphin County Mental Health-Intellectual Disabilities Program Advisory Board, 2006-2011.

During her Christian Walk, she gave her life to Christ at an early age and was a member of the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Harrisburg, PA, under the pastorate of the late Franklin L. Henley. She later became a member of The Greater Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Harrisburg, PA under the pastorate of Pastor Trey Dupont where she sang on the choir.

She would also attend The First Baptist Church of Steelton, under the pastorate Pastor Roland Caldwell.

In her leisure, Deborah loved singing, music, attending plays, movies and just about every game of sport. She also loved baking her famous brownies. She would participate and enjoyed Christmas caroling at the holidays with other residents of the Paxton Place Community where she resided. A few of her favorite television shows were The Voice, American Idol and The View. Deborah had a sweet spirit and she loved making others happy. She loved her family and friends. Most importantly, she loved the Lord.

On Wednesday, May 20, 2026 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Deborah Evette Lewis, at the age of 71 years transitioned from this earthly life into eternal life.

She is survived by her brothers, Henry W. Lewis, Jr. of Charleston, West Virginia and Deacon Barry B. Lewis; sister, DeShawn A. Lewis, both of Harrisburg; nephew, Dr. Henry D. Lewis, Sr. (Rachel); nieces, Dana Y. Lewis, both of Houston, Texas, Amber Lewis of Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Brittany M. Lewis of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; her one and only living uncle, Joseph P. Lewis (Lynelle) of Oakland, California; her five great nieces and nephews, B. Jordan Lewis of Huntington, West Virginia, Henry D. Lewis, Jr., Lauren Lewis, Briana Lewis, Raymond Lewis, all of Houston Texas; her great-great niece, Adrienne Lewis of Huntington, West Virginia and a host of other relatives and friends.

Her life will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 4, 2026 in the Chapel of the Major H. Winfield Funeral Home, Steelton with viewing and visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. and burial in William Howard Day Cemetery.