“Well done, thou good and faithful servant…” – Matthew 25:23

Deborah Rocena Dunlap was born on Tuesday, September 22, 1959, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Kimbrough Travis Sr. and Dorothy Robinson Travis.

As the middle child of five, Deborah took great pride in her place within the family, cherishing her role as a younger sister to her two older brothers and a loving big sister to her two younger sisters. Family was always at the center of who she was.

Deborah attended John Adams High School, where she shined as a member of both the track and cheerleading teams. She was a proud John Adams Rebel through and through.

In 1977, Deborah left home to attend the University of Cincinnati, where she met the love of her life, Tony J. Dunlap Sr., only a few weeks into her freshman year. Their love story quickly blossomed into a lifelong partnership built on faith, laughter, and enduring devotion. While at the University of Cincinnati, Deborah pledged Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated, by way of the Notable Nu Gamma Chapter, beginning a lifelong sisterhood she held dear to her heart, a beautiful legacy that she passed on to her daughter.

Deborah was a dedicated and loyal employee of Merrill Lynch, where she worked faithfully for 31 years. Her professionalism, grace, and commitment left a lasting impact on colleagues and clients alike.

From an early age, Deborah’s life was anchored in her faith. She was a lifelong member of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland, where she was baptized as a young girl. It was also at Mount Olive that she married her beloved husband, Tony, in 1985.

From a young age, Deborah’s life was filled with love, laughter, and the joy of family. She treasured moments from family Fourth of July baseball games at Woodhill Park, to lively games of hide-and-seek with her cousins at her grandmother’s home in Boston, and spirited rounds of bid whist. A true Clevelander at heart, she was a die-hard fan of all Cleveland sports, especially her beloved Cleveland Browns.

Above all, one of Deborah’s greatest joys was being a mother to her two children, Tony Jr. and Dominique. She was their biggest cheerleader, proudly attending football games, basketball tournaments, track meets, and NAACP events, often being the loudest voice in the stands and the warmest smile in the crowd.

Family was the cornerstone of Deborah’s life. With large, loving families on both sides, she took immense pride in celebrating the accomplishments of her relatives and hosting countless family gatherings. Over the years, her home became the heart of holidays and celebrations, a true place of warmth, love, and laughter.

Deborah lived a life rooted in faith, family, and love. Her quiet strength, joyful spirit, and unwavering devotion to God touched every person blessed to know her.

On Monday, October 27, 2025, at her home filled by her loving family and friends, Deborah peacefully transitioned to be with the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Tom Travis, Costella Stallworth Travis, Ernest Robinson, & Annie Dumas Robinson, her father, Kimbrough Travis Sr., and her brother, Keith Travis.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memory: her devoted husband, Tony J. Dunlap Sr.; her beloved mother, Dorothy Travis; her loving children, Tony Dunlap Jr. (Briana) and Dominique Dunlap; her caring siblings, Kimbrough Travis Jr., Celestine Travis, and Dana Travis; her Sister-In-Laws, Launette  Carter Turner, Sharon Dunlap Marbry, Robin Carter Cann, Karen Jordan Bland; her brothers-in-law, Rockney Carter (Dawn), Dwayne Streeter (Antrice), & Larry Carter Jr. (Jennifer); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sorority sisters, extended family, and dear friends who will forever hold her in their hearts.

Deborah’s light will continue to shine in the lives she touched and the love she so freely gave. Her legacy of faith, family, and strength will live on for generations to come.