Deborah Annis Batts Forehand, of Petersburg, affectionately known as “Ma”, “Deb”, “Sis”, “Ahma”, “Momma D”, “Ms. D”, or “Ms. Deborah” born to Alton Batts Sr. and Manvella Lightbourne Batts on April 20, 1954 in Harlem, New York, unexpectedly departed from this life on March 27, 2024.
Deborah was a dedicated Army wife for 22 years. She was also a devoted cook for the Army for several years. She was a proud mother and grandmother and found immense joy in dancing for hours, cooking for family and the neighborhood, spending time with her friends, reading, shopping, and entertaining herself with games on her cell phone. She’s always had a passion for helping others, taking in people, making them an addition to her family.
Deborah leaves behind a legacy of love, endless recipes, and cherished memories. Surviving are her children, LaShawn Forehand, Tarita Forehand, Eugene Forehand Jr. and Catrina Forehand; devoted grandchildren, TaLees Owens, Courtney Rose, Jada Jones, Shania Washington, Adrian Jones, Vanessa Hopkins, Jamir Jones and Mykah Forehand; brother; Alton Batts Jr.; sister, Robbin Batts; a host of other relatives, bonus children, including Tamika Lee, Calvin Forehand Jr., the Christian and Washington brothers, their children, and her lifelong friends including those at Brookland Park Senior Living. Deborah will be deeply missed and remembered by her family and friends and anyone who knew her.
A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Friday, April 5, 2024 at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Interment private. Livestreaming at scottsfuneralhome.com
Sunny Memories was sent for Deborah Annis Forehand - April 05, 2024
Willie Deed III sent Sweet Moments for Deborah Annis Forehand - April 03, 2024
To Debora's children and family. We send you our deepest condolences, our prayers are with you always. From the Deed family.
My condolences to the family. May you find peace and comfort in your time of grief.
I love you so much Ahma ❤️ I'm so grateful and happy for all of the time we got to spend together, the happy memories, and our hours long conversations. I'll miss you so much ❣️❤️😘
My Condolences to the family. What a beautiful and wonderful person to have known ❤️ forever and always.
Hi, Auntie Debra. It is Ashley (Nikki) and Wanda. If there is anything I will remember you by, it is how much you expressed your love to me as if I were your own. "I love you to the moon and back." or "I love you thisssssssssssss much." You were literally my family and your you will be missed so much.
I send our deepest condolences to the family. Our prayers are with you all. Heidi Crawford and family.
Deborah my Beautiful sis I will hold on to all the memories that we shared forever R.I.P Love you Forever Lyn❤️
Sis I'm going to miss you. Thanks for being there for me all my life. Dance and smile. But most of all flap those wings Love you forever your brother Alton (butch)
Everyone will miss you Ms. Deborah. Deepest sympathy to the family. Love, Trish
Mama Deborah, your light will always shine. I love and miss you. Catrina, TJ, and LaShawn my prayers and love to you always. Love Nikki.
My deepest condolences to the family. You all are in my prayers. Love Karen Burke and the Burke family (NYC)
Sending heartfelt Condolences and Prayers of Comfort to our family. Deb (Sister-In-Law) will be in our hearts always and remembered forever, A beautiful lady who had a caring heart. Her light will shine forever.
"There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone their light remains"
With Love Always, Yvette & Roy Forehand
W will be greatly missed. You are a very good friend to my mom Jean Ward
You were always the life of the party, I'm gonna miss your spirit... I love ❤️ you, your at peace now, rest Auntie 😢❤️❤️❤️
To my family, I send my deepest condolences to you all. I know the very place and what you feeling in your heart now but in knowing that she's resting, I love you all so now she has taken her wings and she's soaring high above us all now with her beautiful smile that would like the room and her laugh Would set the tone in the atmosphere. Just know that she's not far she's very near dear to all of our hearts love you, cousin. The Brown Family
Family, I want you all to know when her eyes were opened they were open with only light, and her smile took control over the entire room. Her laughter brought much joy. Now it's her time to sore high above us all. Take your Rest Now cousin. Love Neese
Dear Deborah foreland like family to me I can blievervgone.i never forget younin heart. Keep family in pray
Mrs. Deborah you will greatly be missed..I'll always remember your walk...that switch 😊..I love you!!! ❤️
To the Forehand family and all of those that are deeply impacted by the transitioning g of this beautiful soul from this life. I pray each of you find comfort through this difficult time, and that the tears of sadness turn into tears of Thanksgiving and gratitude for being blessed with the presence of Miss. D. MY interactions with her personally were very few, I can tell she was a phenomenal woman that has left a remarkable legacy through her children and grandchildren. With love and deep condolences -Shavette Johnson and family.
My mother is a never ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness and being. I may sometimes forget the words but I always remember the tune." - Graycie Harmon Love you Ma😘😘😘
It was to soon for you to go Ma! We were so happy to see you singing and smiling! Those are our precious memories I'm holding onto because everyone knows Angels are always with you! Love You forever and always! Caress & family❤️
There are over 100 thousand words in the dictionary and I could never put enough together to tell you how sorry I am for your loss! Ma Deborah was so loving and caring and every time I seen her she was smiling, she was a wonderful person who touched the lives of many. May you find strength and solace in the memories you shared together. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathy at this time. I am here for you all. Please don't hesitate to reach out~ Love Cei'si
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