Back to Obituaries Major H. Winfield Funeral Home | Steelton, PA

Deborah Lewis

Passed 05/20/2026

Obituary For Deborah Lewis

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.

Send flowers to the service of Deborah Lewis


Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

Jennifer Smith Nelsen sent Heartfelt Memories for Deborah Lewis - June 03, 2026

Send flowers for Deborah Lewis

The Paxton Place Family planted 1 trees in memory of Deborah Lewis . - June 03, 2026

Barry my brother, you have my deepest condolences

Karl Dixon

So sorry to hear of Deborah passing. I send condolences to the family. Class of 1972.

paulacollinscarter2624@gmail.com

My Deepest Condolences to the Family, Debbie was a Beautiful Woman and a Shining Star. She taught me how to twirl a baton. I loved watching you practice. Rest in Peace.

andersonrosanne23@gmail.com

Gone but not forgotten Remembered fondly.

Classmates and Friends John Harris H. S. Harrisburg High School Class of 1972

Gee Gee

Rest in Peace condolences to the Family!

Autro Heath Jr

To my Family. I love you all and pry God gives you all comfort and peace. Deborah will be missed, but I know Aunt Nell and you all Dad is welcoming her with open arms. I love you all. Barbara Slay Stewart

Barbara Stewart

Condolences to the family. May the presence of God's love comfort you.

Lessie White

My condolences to the family & friends.

Frances Waters

My Sister and Deborah (Debbie) went to School together. They use to walk to school together. Me being in grade school I remember Debbie being in the band front and boy she could twrill that baton! Those are some of the memories that I have of her. She also came to visit the church that I'm a member of quite a few times First Baptist of Steelton. We never know when God's going to call us home. Her Brother Barry was my classmate of 78. Barry my Condolences to you and your family. Just know that your Sister is in our Savior's arms. May she sleep in peace. 🙏🏽🕊️🌹

Lenora Mills Hernandez

Cousin Debbie was delightful. I shall miss her smile and the uplifting text messages she sent me 2-3 times per week. She kept up with me better than I kept up with her.

Ann White-Woods

Ms. Deb was precious! She touched my life as well as the lives of her fellow Paxton Place family members. We all give thanks for the gift of having known her and loved her. Prayers for her family now and in the days ahead.

Jenn Smith Nelsen

Family,I'm going too miss Ms. Debbie, she was a kind human being that you could just LOVE up on at anytime. She'd always put a card on my door and the reason was just because, we were always sharing food. One thing for sure noone could make SALMON CAKES LIKE HER. I'm going to truly miss her. Much Love Jessie Stern

Jessie Stern

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Major H. Winfield Funeral Home | Steelton, PA

Best Sellers

Plant Trees
Plant Trees

$50.00

Beautiful Dreams
Beautiful Dreams

$84.95

Gracious Lavender Basket
Gracious Lavender Basket

$134.95

Serene Lily Basket
Serene Lily Basket

$104.95

Pink Tribute Spray
Pink Tribute Spray

$149.95

Sweet Moments
Sweet Moments

$79.95

Mixed Spray
Mixed Spray

$149.95

Red and White Handled Basket
Red and White Handled Basket

$84.95

Peace & Serenity Dishgarden
Peace & Serenity Dishgarden

$79.95

Traditional Floor Basket
Traditional Floor Basket

$79.95

Ocean Devotion
Ocean Devotion

$79.95

The Peace Lily
The Peace Lily

$94.95

Living Spirit Dishgarden
Living Spirit Dishgarden

$79.95

Red and White Floor Basket
Red and White Floor Basket

$89.95

Mixed flowers in a handled basket
Mixed flowers in a handled basket

$89.95

The Loving Light Dishgarden
The Loving Light Dishgarden

$79.95

Ocean Breeze Spray
Ocean Breeze Spray

$184.95

Precious Heart Bouquet
Precious Heart Bouquet

$84.95

Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket
Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket

$79.95

Sympathy Spray
Sympathy Spray

$159.95

Radiant Foliage Planter
Radiant Foliage Planter

$89.95

Heartfelt Memories
Heartfelt Memories

$94.95

Stately Croton
Stately Croton

$79.95

Medium Dish Garden
Medium Dish Garden

$99.95

Forever in Our Hearts Casket Adornment
Forever in Our Hearts Casket Adornment

$79.95