Deborah R. Matthews

Deborah R. Matthews was called home to rest on January 14, 2016 after suffering from a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.  Deborah, age 66, was born in Chicago, Illinois.  During her formative years in St. Louis, Missouri, Deborah graduated from North West High School and received her Bachelor of Psychology degree from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. Deborah was baptized at an early age and she recommitted her life to the Christ as an adult.  

Deborah moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana after being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis.  While ill, she pursed academic excellence by earning her Master of Arts degree in Public Affairs from Indiana University.  Deborah worked in a number of venues including the law offices Love & James, the East Wayne Street Center, and the public defender's office.  Deborah was a socially conscious person who loved music, books, plants and the game of chess.  She also loved to have lively debates on all topics.  She rarely lost.  Deborah was open to learning from various points of view.

She is survived by her siblings, Daryl Thomas of Durham, North Carolina; Faith Posley of Indianapolis; Frank (Tammy) Thomas of Indianapolis; Georgia Thomas-Sanders (Richard) of Fort Wayne; and Dwight (Delania) Thomas of Fort Wayne.  She was preceded in death by her adoptive parents, Aaron and Ethel Matthews; her mother, Frankie B. Thomas; step father, Frank Thomas; and brother, Derek Thomas.  

A Celebration of Life for Deborah R. Matthews will be held Friday, January 22, 2016 at 1:00pm at the First Wayne Street United Methodist Church, 300 East Wayne Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Visitation will be held an hour before the service.  

Memorial donations may be made to the League for the Blind and Disabled or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  

Arrangements by Northern Indiana Funeral Care of Fort Wayne. 

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