Missionary Deborah Ann Wilson

Missionary Deborah Ann Wilson, an avid prayer warrior of the kingdom of God, has laid down her sword and made pilgrimage with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. On Sunday, January 21, 2024, as she became absent from her body, immediately she was present with the Lord. She was born April 6, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan, the eldest daughter to the union of the late Amos Bridgewater and Shirley Anne Stakley.

Shortly after her birth, the family relocated to Saginaw, Michigan. She received her education from the Saginaw Public School system where she attended Houghton Elementary, Arthur Eddy Jr. High, graduating from Saginaw High in 1972. She then continued on to receive a certificate in clerical training from Saginaw Business Institute. Later, she received CDL training to secure a career with Saginaw Transit Systems (STARS). As with anything she put her mind to, she succeeded and started driving buses in 1994. Tenaciously, she had a mindset to move to the front office. To do so, she continued her education. She attended Delta College and obtained an associate degree. As a result, she accomplished her goal and became the face of STARS for over 20 years.

The most significant moment in her life was when she dedicated her life to the Lord at New Saint Paul Tabernacle COGIC, Detroit, Michigan, in 1993. Shortly thereafter, she became a dedicated member at Rose of Sharon COGIC under the leadership of Elder Louis Knox. She received her Missionary license in 2005. She served as a Junior Church Mother and was on the Missionary Board. She was President of the Home and Foreign Mission, and also served as a Deaconess.

Missionary Wilson leaves to cherish loving memories: one daughter, Kaneshia Tamika Wilson, three sons, Kenny Wilson Jr., Brian Keith (Stephanie) Wilson, Derrick Omar Wilson and extended children, Rowena Wilson, Shelina Wilson, and Antonio Hinds; nine grandchildren: Demontae, Terra, Aneika, Antonio, Samaria, Carter, Ken’Teanne, Tatiana, and Kenny Wilson III; eight great-grandchildren; her mother Shirley Anne Terry, step-mother Debra Bridgewater; three sisters, Roxanne Thompson, Cheryl (Bertram) Cole, Sharon Bridgewater; two brothers, Rex Bridgewater and Troy (Lorissa) Bridgewater; former brother-in-law, Charlie Thompson Jr.; eight nephews: Anthony (Tina) Murphy, Charlie Thompson III, Cody Walker, Darren (Rose) Bridgewater, Sherard Cole, James Bridgewater, Trayvon Bridgewater, and Troy Bridgewater Jr.; nieces, Latreece Mann, Toriana Bridgewater, Precious Jones, Paris Jones; a host of great-nieces and nephews, other relatives, and friends including her Rose of Sharon COGIC church family.

Deborah was preceded in death by her grandson, Isaiah Wilson; brother, Eric Bridgewater; father, Amos Bridgewater, stepfather, Roosevelt Terry; niece, Charlene Bridgewater, and nephew, Rex Bridgewater-Walker.

The family expresses special thanks to Elder Louis (Carolyn) Knox and Rose of Sharon COGIC Church Family, the Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services team, Sister Lacresha Liddell, as well as all of our extended friends and family for their love and support. Special thanks also to Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.