Debra Renee Robinson was born on July 14, 1958, to the late Deryl Robinson and Reuben O'Dell Hayden in Cleveland, Ohio. She was affectionately known as ""Renee"" or ""Auntie Nea."" She attended John Hay High School and later earned a Computer Technology degree through the IBM Technical College.
Renee received Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Sharon Hill Missionary Baptist Church. As a young lady, she always yearned for the presence of the Lord. She committed to growing in her faith and joined the New Mount Zion Baptist Church under the late Dr. Carey McCreary. She later recommitted her life and service to God under the pastoral leadership of Dr. William H. Myers. No matter where her life journey took her, the principles of Christianity and the joy of the Lord were evident.
Known as a ""Fashionista,"" she often wore bold, bright and beautiful colors like her favorite red or animal prints, and she ALWAYS kept a radiant smile on her face. She had a huge impact on the lives of everyone that knew her and easily became ""Auntie"" or ""Mommy"" to many in her neighborhood. Several also entrusted her to provide child care for their families throughout the 1990s.
It was just something about the way she never missed a birthday, family gathering, holiday, or special event; even when she wasn't invited (smile), that let you know that she had the biggest heart. She was a giver, and her infectious spirit made everyone feel included and, most importantly, loved.
Her spirit did not deteriorate even after a Lung Cancer diagnosis on Dec. 9, 2019. She continued to believe that "God's hand was in every challenge," and she did not complain. She just lived each day unto the Lord. She continued traveling, and you could still catch her enjoying some of her favorite foods or dancing to her favorite blues songs or George Clinton's ""Atomic Dog."" And she continued smiling until July 4, 2021, at 10:38 PM, when she transitioned from earth to her eternal home, with her special friend, Stan, by her bedside.
Debra Renee Robinson is no longer in pain, and she is now reunited with her parents Deryl and Ruben, her sister Brenda ""Kay"" Thomas, and her brother, William ""Earl"" Haywood. The precious memories of her love and life will be cherished in the hearts and minds of her two children; Terry (Girtha Smith) Robinson and Tyonna Dunn, seven grandchildren; Tiara Robinson, Terri Robinson, I'manni Whitlow, Terry Robinson Jr., Tylee Young, Tyler Robinson, and Tristan Robinson; three bonus children Deonta Johnson, Sheryce Daniels and Tomnisha Johnson; two sisters, Vivian ""Gail,"" and Gloria ""Dobie""; one brother, Kenneth ""Kenny"" (V anessa); one very special bonus daughter, Felicia Hummings; special friend Stan, a host of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, cousins, friends and
community of ""relatives."""