“January 16, 1955 was the day Odessa Malcolm and Fred William became blessed with me, Deborah Lynn Malcolm!

I grew up on 71^st in Superior and let me tell you, the neighborhood was so nice then. Anything you needed was right there. I call it the family church. “Church of Faith” was the name of it. I, mother, and my brother Donell never missed a Sunday.

That is where I took my children when I became a mother of my three; LaShondra, Maurice, and Warren.

LaShondra was my first born and my only daughter. She was my littlest baby too. That’s why I named her “Tiny”! She was so little, she fit right into a shoe box, in my top drawer.

Now Maurice is my 1^st son. My chilled, laid back baby. My special baby. My ventures child that dare to be different and I will always love him for it.

Then we get to my baby, the last of the Mohicans, Warren. Better known as Geronimo!!! The word Geronimo is used to express exhilaration, especially when leaping from a great height or moving at a high speed. Long story short, I almost dropped my baby and that’s what I yelled out while catching him, Geronimo!

Although I became a mother at a fairly young age, it didn’t stop me from accomplishing all my goals I had set for myself. I didn’t complete high school but I went on to my G.E.D., then pursued earning my master’s degree in public administration!

I never let my Granddaughter Lacrisha forget it either. Now my baby has her bachelor’s degree in administration as well. I’m sure she’ll catch up to me one day. 😉

Now my grandson Derrick puts me in mind of both of my sons. Stays to himself like Maurice but is fruitfully reproductive like Geronimo. At one point I might’ve thought they were in competition. Which is alright with me. “They like it, I love it”, build my legacy. I have a slew of grandchildren and great grandchildren and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.

Tiny gave me my 1^st four grand babies; LaCrisha, Derrick, Deshawn – who’s just as silly as he wants to be, and my baby LaJayia. She was the baby for a while too. Then comes Geronimo and his tribe; TiAon, Taraji, Tavon, James, Myracle, Destinee, and Sariah.

One thing is for sure and two things are for certain, they all know Grandma Deborah. Even my three grandbabies I didn’t get much time with, Deonte Jr., Journee, and LaCristiana. I tell you this, they’ve got all the time with me now.

Anyone that knows me, know I love nothing more than spending time with my family. Going on trips, out to eat, I never made it to Frederick’s but I know yall will get there for me. BBQs at Tiny’s or LaCrisha’s house. Buying gifts for all my babies.

I love cooking and baking. Making my sweet potato pies, cakes, and yall know I’m a make me some Chitterlings, I don’t care what they is!!!

I loved people and people loved me. I loved being around people. Playing cards with my friends and neighbors in my building. Me and Tiny going to get our nails done, going to the casinos, the one in Erie, PA was our favorite. Calling, checking on my baby Maurice, to hear his voice and see how life’s treating him. Or even on my relaxed days watching Perry Mason. Yall know that’s my favorite show! I’m going to miss the morning calls Tiny, LaCrisha, LaJayia, and I use to have.

I know some of us feel like it isn’t fair but you must understand that this is a part of life and I’m alright. May 8, 2025 there was no more of being where I don’t want to be, no more infections, no more breaks, no more surgeries, no pain at all.

When you find yourself thinking of me play a little Jazz, Blues, or Gospel. Jazz and Blues on Saturday and Gospel on Sunday. LaShondra and Maurice know what I’m talking about LOL.

Remember to wear purple every now and then. Make sure yall eat some ribs too and know that I’m just fine and that I’m not alone.

Last but not least to my bonus grandchildren, Christopher Sr. and Demeqries Sr., you guys take care of my girls. Love them, take care of them, cherish them.

My aunt Ophelia, my mother’s sister, thank you for always being there when my mom passed. Thank you for being a consistent out reach. Thank you for always being just a phone call away. Thank you so much Aunty. Thank you to my children for forgiving me and loving me despite of my imperfections.

Don’t weep, don’t cry, no frowns, no sorrows. I LOVE YOU ALL”

Deborah Lynn Smith