Debra (Lansing) Burke

Debra Ann Smith Burke passed away Saturday, October 15, 2016 at her residence in Lansing, Michigan at the age of 53. She was born May 12, 1963 to James Hayes and Annie R. DeBerry in Madison County, Humbolt, Tennessee.
Debra moved to Lansing, Michigan from Humbolt, Tennessee as a child where she attended Everett Elementary School, Walter French Middle School and Everett High School. She attended Pennsylvania Avenue Original Church of God where she accepted Christ at an early age. Debra worked for Fisher Body, Meijers, Spartan Cab Company, and Dean Transportation. She was last employed at Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA). She enjoyed being a mother, grandmother, traveling (especially to Graceland and Las Vegas), reading, watching classic movies, was a huge Elvis Presley fan and loved country music. Debra will be remembered by her beautiful smile, deep dimples, unique laugh, tenderness and sense of humor.
She leaves to cherish her memory her 4 daughters April Lashawn Smith, Latasha Marie Parker, Johnetta Elizabeth (Emmanuel Sr.) Paul and Moriah Lacey Burke; grandchildren, Cory K.J. Smith, Jeric A.L. Smith, Kala C. Parker, Kendal I. Parker, Jabari K. Brooks, Emmanuel L. Paul, Jr., Jamya A. Smith, and Aubrey E.A. Paul; mother, Annie R. DeBerry; stepfather, Willie Lee DeBerry; 6 sisters, Mary J. Smith, Sharen Y. DeBerry, Myra D. DeBerry, Frances C. Cummings, Minnie Murray and Joyce Price; 2 brothers Terance K. DeBerry and Willie Lee DeBerry, Jr.; 5 nieces, Tara DeBerry, Taylor DeBerry (Sally), Jermica DeBerry, Bridget DeBerry and Breann DeBerry; 6 nephews, Clemie Thornton, Shaune DeBerry, Jaylen DeBerry, Colby DeBerry, Malaki DeBerry, and Kaiden DeBery; 4 aunts, Doris Graves, Jessie Virnell Smith, Betty Graves and Queen DeBerry-Merriweather; 6 uncles, William Smith, Robert Smith, John Smith, Dennis DeBerry, Byron DeBerry, Charlie DeBerry and Horace DeBerry, Jr.; 2 sisters-in-law, Donalyn DeBerry and Karry DeBerry; 1 brother-in-law, Johnny Cummings and many other relatives and friends including special friends, Carmella Duncan and "The CATA Girls".
She was preceded in death by her father, James Hayes; brother, Gary DeBerry; grandparents, Floyd and Joe Ella Smith; uncles, Forest (Smitty) Smith, James (Earl) Smith, Jr., and Mamie M. Smith.
Special thank you to Pennsylvania Avenue Original Church of God in Christ and Capital Area Transportation Authority (CATA).