Deborah Anita Borja

On a cold and breezy January 20, 1952, the late Gertrude V. Smith (Dorsey) of Galesville, MD and the late George Lawrence Gross of Churchton, MD were blessed with a little girl they named Deborah Anita Gross. Born at Freeman’s Hospital in Washington, DC, Deborah’s arrival brought sunshine that warmed the chilly day. Deborah transitioned to her heavenly home on Thursday, January 17, 2023, at Medstar Harbor Hospital in Baltimore, MD after a brief illness.

Deborah, affectionately known as “Debbie” to some and “Dove” to others, was educated in the Anne Arundel County Public School System where she attended Wiley H. Bates High School in Annapolis, MD. After graduation, she furthered her studies at the Yorktown Business Institute in Landover, MD.

Deborah had many interests, first working as a nurse’s assistant at Crownsville State Hospital and later pursuing her passion for fashion and beauty as a model for The Stardust Elite Modeling Agency of New York City. She was an avid international traveler who enjoyed cooking and technical gadgets. She also loved playing trivia games and Monopoly.

In her earlier years she was an active member of The House of Prayer Church of West River, MD under the leadership of Bishop Leslie Owens where she enjoyed singing in the youth choir and attending vacation bible school. Debbie later attended the True Church of Christ for Sinners Only under Pastor Raleigh Medley. Debbie visited the church frequently and when her health began to fail, she continued to join the services online.

On October 2, 1970, Debbie married her high school sweetheart, William E. Lane Sr. and together they had three sons—Dante, Deon, and Damian. She later married Henry Flores Borja on August 2, 1980, and from this second marriage her youngest son, Jovan, was born. Her new life as a military wife afforded her the opportunity to live and travel abroad extensively.

She is preceded in death by her son Damian LaRoi Lane and a close sister-friend, Novella Tasker.

Debbie leaves her memories to be cherished by her husband of 43 years, Henry Flores Borja; three sons, Dante Xavier (Alvin), Deon LaMar (Tracey), and Jovan Flores; one godson, Shawn Butler; 9 grandchildren, Breanna, Tatyana, Asjia, Desiree, Dallas, Devin, Amaya, Sierra, and Ethan; one goddaughter, Alexis Crowner; four great grandchildren, Eric, Aaliyah, Kymani, and Kyhir; her loving and devoted stepfather, Roman L. Dorsey Sr.; two beloved brothers, Gregory Ramon (Darlene) and Roman L. Dorsey Jr. “Roddy”(Katherine); close cousins who were like siblings, Robert Taylor Sr., Melvin Naylor, Lorraine Dorsey, Patricia Dyson, Joyce Condra, Sandra Gray and Diane Mackall; one great aunt Sarah E. Williams; devoted cousins, Darlene Matthews, Letitia Crowner, Dolores Medley, Elizabeth “Goldie” Watkins, Charlene Watkins, Alice “Geraldine” Watkins, Sandra Rosser, Phyllis Smith, Kimberly Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. Debbie was truly loved and will be sorely missed.