Deborah Ann Fry

Deborah Ann (Thomas) Fry, affectionately known as “DT” by her friends, the fourth child of seven was born on May 22, 1953, in Dallas, Texas, to the parentage of Odis Frank Thomas and Ora Lee (Winded) Thomas who both preceded her in death.

Deborah was educated in the Dallas Independent School District and proudly graduated from Lincoln High School with the Class of 1971. During her high school years, she embraced her school spirit through her participation in the band and as a member of the Purple Flash Drill Team. She later continued her education at El Centro College, where she studied Business Administration. She applied her education and natural leadership abilities throughout her career with 7-Eleven/Southland Corporation, serving in several leadership roles. After transitioning from the corporate sector, she returned to college at Mountain View College to pursue studies in Criminal Justice. Her continued commitment to education reflected the ambition, determination, and perseverance that remained defining qualities of her character throughout her life.

Starting at an early age, Deborah was active, creative, and full of personality. She had a love for fashion and enjoyed creating her own unique style through clothing. Deborah was never afraid to be herself. She carried herself with confidence and had a way of making whatever she wore distinctly her own.

Deborah embraced life with energy, enthusiasm, and a true sense of adventure. Her interests were as vibrant and diverse as her personality, including music, sports, and a special passion for automobiles. A devoted car enthusiast, Deborah proudly expressed her love for cars through her active membership in both the Volkswagen Club and the Corvette Club. These organizations provided her with opportunities to connect with fellow automobile enthusiasts, enjoy memorable experiences, and build lasting friendships with those who shared her passion.

Her commitment to sisterhood and service also was reflected through her proud membership in Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. and Women of Color, where she cultivated lasting friendships, enjoyed meaningful fellowship, and remained actively engaged in her community. Deborah also had an unmatched passion for volunteering, serving others, and supporting sporting events, generously giving her time and energy to the people and activities she loved.

For more than 45 years, Deborah was a faithful and devoted member of Jordan Missionary Baptist Church, a place that held special meaning throughout her life and where she married John Fry. Her commitment to her church extended beyond attendance, as she faithfully served as a member of the Usher Board and Hospitality Committee. Through her service, Deborah demonstrated her dedication to her church family and her willingness to welcome, support, and serve others.

Deborah was affectionately known as “the life of the party.” Her vibrant personality, contagious laughter, and unforgettable energy could brighten any room. She loved being surrounded by family and friends and had a special way of turning ordinary moments into treasured memories. She was also known for being the loudest and proudest voice in the stands, enthusiastically cheering on her children, grandchildren and her friends’ grandchildren at their sporting events. Her unwavering support, excitement, and unmistakable voice made sure they always knew MeMaw was in the building and cheering them on!

To know Deborah was to know a woman of strength, confidence, and determination. She had the heart of a fighter and faced life’s challenges with courage and resilience. She remained true to herself and lived life boldly and authentically.

Deborah was many things to many people—a loving mother, grandmother (MeMaw),sister, aunt, cousin, best friend, sorority sister, club member, and friend. Above all, family held a special place in her heart, and her life and legacy will forever be cherished by all whose lives she touched.

There will never be another Deborah Ann “DT” Fry. Her laughter, style, strength, love, and unmistakable spirit will remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Her presence will be deeply missed, her memory forever treasured, and her legacy will continue for generations to come.

Our beloved Deborah peacefully departed this life on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. She was preceded in death by her loving parents and two brothers, Odis Frank Thomas and Alfred Thomas, Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memory; her husband John Fry; children, Querisha (Fry)Moore (William), Camden Fry, Erica Simpson, and Quincy Simpson; fifteen grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters; Virginia Davis, Wanda Smith, and Dorothy Stanley; one Brother; Mark Thomas, Sr.; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, closest friends; Alice Ford, Eartha Walls, Evelyn Ramsey, Joyce Figgers, Vanessa Warmsley, C.W. Whitaker, Tiffany Conner, Ken Thompson and Herman Upshaw and many more.