Debra Yolanda Goins

Debra was born in Compton, Ca. Attended Compton high school and completed one year at UC-San Diego. She had many employers over her career including Magnavox, Northrup and Neutrogena while in California; a Minneapolis law firm, Delta Airlines, Mesaba Airlines and Home Instead Senior Care while in Minnesota.

She was married twice. First to Raymond Pierott while in California (3 daughters: Erika, Shannon and Allison); and secondly to James Goins Jr while in Minnesota (1 daughter: Jamilla). She converted to Buddhism in 1982 joining Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and received her Gohonzon to start her practice. Debra loved life and generally got along with most people*. She really liked looking out over the water to watch the sun set and missed the ocean tides the most after moving to Minnesota. When she needed to chill she would go to Como Park and watch the geese on the lake, or Minnehaha Falls for the sound of rushing water, but it wasn’t the same. Whenever she went back to LA a trip to the beach was required. She also loved music, jazz in particular. Attending jazz festivals was her passion whether Monterey, LA or San Diego she was there. She also frequented local jazz venues and events.

She is preceded in death by daughter Erika Pierott, parents Arthur and Leotha Givens, first husband Raymond Pierott, brothers John Givens and Terrill Givens.

She is survived by her husband James Goins Jr; sister Sharon Givens; daughters Shannon Pierott, Allison (Lamont) Moore and Jamilla Goins; grandchildren Curtis Rayford, Alize Pratt and Ajai Flowers; four great grandchildren; and several aunts, uncles, nephews and cousins. Father Braxton Berkley, sister Jean Berkley and brother Braxton Berkley Jr.

A visitation for Debra will be held Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Sunset Funeral Home & Sunset Cemetery, 2250 St Anthony Boulevard NE, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55418, followed by a buddhist celebration of life at 1:00 PM.