Deborah (Cosby) McMeans-Hooker was born October 13th, 1957, in East Orange, New Jersey. She was the eldest daughter of the late Fred Cosby Sr. and Charlotte Cosby. Deborah, fondly known as “Grandmababy”, was a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister. On Wednesday August 14th, 2024, God claimed one of his greatest gifts.

Deborah was a member of Green Creek New Site Baptist Church of Farmville and Ebenezer Baptist Church of Virginia Beach. She was retired from the United States Air Force. After her retirement, she established several businesses, to include Braids Galore Hair Salon, Banc One Check Cashing Place, The Spot Convenience Store, VLP Hauling, Hooker Property Rentals, and many more.

She loved and cherished her family and friends. Deborah was never a stranger to extending a helping hand, a listening ear, or a shoulder to cry on when needed. A vast majority of the family lived either with her or at one of her properties at some point or another. She was always cooking and hosting various parties, events, and holidays, even when it called for long distance travel. Anybody that knew her knew she loved Mardi Gras.

She leaves to cherish her memory: one daughter, Dewanna Lewis; two sons, Willie McMeans Jr. and Jarrell McMeans: a son-in-law, Brian Lewis; a daughter-in-law, Phyllis McMeans; eight grandchildren, Shateya Daniels, Brianna Lewis, Diamond Daniels, Brittany Lewis, Danaja Clarke, Jarrell McMeans Jr., Josiah Bruce, and Khalell McMeans; four great grandchildren, Omari Holmes, E’monii Holmes, A’mya Holmes, and Devaughn Childress: five siblings, Fred Cosby Jr., Lisa Cosby, Kevin Cosby, Wanda Cosby, and Thaddeaus Cosby; two aunts, Sarah Moses-Womack, and Barbara Daniels; one uncle, Thurman Womack; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. There are too many to name, but they were deeply loved. One grandchild, Jha’deah Amira McMeans, proceeded her in death. I know she’s up there giving her all the love she missed out on.