Deborah Lynn Campbell Ross

On Friday, October 16, 1959, Willie and Gladys Campbell welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Deborah Lynn, into their growing young family. Born in Lansing, Michigan, Deborah was the second of what would become three children—the only girl and sister to two brothers. Nurtured from birth in a Christian household, Deborah learned from her parents the values of faith, love, service, and grace. She grew up in Union Missionary Baptist Church, where she became an active member of the youth department and gleefully lifted her voice in the Youth Chorus. The foundation of faith planted during those early years remained a part of her throughout her life. Deb, as she is affectionately known, was educated by the Lansing School District, attending Main Street Elementary School, Dwight Rich Middle School, and graduating from Everett High School in June 1977. Her school days were reminiscent of a different time, when children attended neighborhood schools that fostered a close-knit sense of community. Recess came without cell phones or electronic devices; instead, it was filled with active, imaginative outdoor play and traditional games shared with classmates. Friendships grew over lunches, whispered secrets, laughter in the hallways, and walks home together after the final bell. It was during those years that Deborah formed friendships that would stand the test of time. Her beautiful megawatt smile and sunny, upbeat personality naturally drew people to her. She had a way of making people feel welcomed, comfortable, and happy simply to be in her presence. While in the seventh grade at Dwight Rich, Deborah and her mother joined the Les Meres and Debutantes of Lansing, a historic African American mother-and-daughter organization devoted to developing strong character, academic excellence, confidence, and poise in young women. Deborah embodied those qualities beautifully. A young woman of immense grace, intellect, and poise, she was formally presented to society as a debutante at the 1977 Debutante Ball. Following high school, Deborah continued her education at Lansing Computer Institute, obtaining a certification in data programming. Deborah began a career with the State of Michigan, where she worked faithfully for many years in several departments, including the Michigan State Police, Department of Corrections, and Community Health. Her years of state service continued until her early retirement. But a career was only one part of the woman Deborah was. Deborah believed that life was simply too short to wear boring clothes. From her earliest days, she was always meticulously and fashionably dressed. Deborah viewed fashion not as vanity, but as an art form—a joyful expression of individuality, confidence, and personality. She understood something that she demonstrated without ever needing to say it: true style comes from knowing who you are and owning it completely!

“It is cheerful to God when you rejoice or laugh from the bottom of your heart.” — Martin Luther

Beyond her wardrobe, however, Deb's true beauty was found in her spirit. She discovered early in life that she possessed a wonderful gift: she could make people laugh. And Deborah didn't keep that gift confined to family gatherings and conversations with friends—she took it to the stage. Deb performed at comedy clubs in the Lansing area, where she became known for her deadpan delivery, quick wit, and hilarious observations about dating, relationships, and everyday life in Lansing. She could find humor in the ordinary and turn it into something unforgettable. Her infectious laughter could transform the gloomiest day into a celebration. Her home was a revolving door for family and friends, and there were certain things you could always count on when visiting Deb: conversation, laughter, love—and food. Especially her signature mac and cheese! It became a tradition all its own. You might arrive at Deb's house planning to stay for only a little while, but you were likely to leave hours later—exhausted from laughing, filled with stories, and completely stuffed from a plate of her signature dish. That was Deb. Everything she did, she did with laughter. Everything she gave, she gave with love.

Deborah found her soulmate in Calvin Duane Ross.

From the beginning, there was an immediate sense of familiarity and ease between them. Calvin understood Deb, and Deb understood Calvin. Their conversations flowed effortlessly, their friendship deepened, and love followed. In 2010, the two were united in marriage. For twelve years, Deborah and Calvin remained devoted and committed to one another, sharing life's joys, challenges, laughter, and love until Calvin's untimely passing on July 30, 2022. Their earthly journey together ended far sooner than anyone would have wished, but the love they shared remained forever written upon Deborah's heart.

Deborah danced through life, leaving a trail of bright colors, deep love, unforgettable laughter, and beautiful memories in her wake.

She taught those who knew her that life was meant to be lived—not merely observed. Wear the outfit. Cut your hair. Get the tattoos. Laugh loudly. Welcome people into your home. Feed them well. Love deeply. Treasure your family. Hold on to your friends. And never underestimate the power of laughter to brighten someone's day.

Surrounded by her beloved family, Deborah Lynn Campbell Ross peacefully transitioned from this earthly life at 3:05 p.m. on September 11, 2026, confident in the promise of eternal life and joyful in the reunion awaiting her with those loved ones who preceded her in faith. Her laughter may have grown silent to our earthly ears, but the joy she created will continue to echo in the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to have known and loved her.

Left to cherish Deborah's wonderful memory are her mother, Gladys Wheeler of Lansing; father, Willie (Anniebell) Campbell of Lansing; brothers, Christopher (Delois) Campbell and Gifford Owens; sisters, Trica Burton, Sabrina Jones, Cynthia (David) Jones, Lisa Owens, Nikki Owens, and Shawn Owens; grandmother, Augustine Buie of Florida; grandparents Clarence and Erie Campbell; aunts, Sharon DeMyers (George Crawford) of Stanwood, Michigan, and Cassandra (Anthony) Osuji of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Mary Bethany; uncles, Jimmie Buie of Bronx, New York; Bobby Smith (Margit) of Stafford, Virginia; James (Janice) Buie of Triangle, Virginia; George (Linda) Johnson of Duluth, Georgia; Robert Campbell; and Luther (Yolanda) Buie of Wesley Chapel, Florida. She also leaves a loving host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, lifelong friends, and all those whose lives were made a little brighter because Deborah Lynn was a part of them.

Waiting to reunite with her are her Husband, Calvin Ross; brother, Ronnie Campbell; maternal grandparents, Curtis and Elizabeth DeMyers; paternal grandparents, aunt, Doris Buie; uncle, Frank Buie, Jr., and friends.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:17

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Expression From her brother

If you knew Deborah, you knew that smile. It was one of the things people remembered most about her, right along with that contagious laugh. She was funny too, a comedian in her own right, and always knew how to make the people around her laugh. She was my big sister by six years, but back in the day, people were always asking if we were twins. We heard it so much over the years that it just became part of our story. Deborah was also the kind of person who knew everybody and they momma. She never forgot a face. She could see somebody she hadn’t seen in years and still remember exactly who they were, where she knew them from, and probably something about their family too. That was just Deborah. She loved people, and people loved her right back. It is hard to put into words what it means to lose my sister. I’m going to miss her smile, her laugh, her jokes, and all the things that made her who she was. Rest easy, Deborah Lynn. You were deeply loved, and you will be deeply missed.