Deborah Ann Deleston

As many of you know, Deborah Deleston fell asleep in death on Monday, May 11th,2026 at 3:18am. She is survived by her husband of 36 years, Leroy, and four other siblings, Ray, Cordell, Ila and Roger, as well as many other family members and friends.

Deborah was born here in Miami on July 24th, 1956, the third of nine children born to Ray Sr. and Birdell Davis. She fully embraced the truth she was taught by her parents, getting baptized on January 24th,1970 at the age of 13, and entering full-time service as a regular pioneer upon graduation from high school in 1974.

Deborah was raised in a family that loved music. So, she loved to sing and also became a skilled pianist and violinist. She performed in high school and convention orchestras, where she was always assigned as first or lead violinist. She also spoke joyfully of the delightful experience she had singing in the chorus at the 2019 Evening Gathering.

Deborah was a zealous pioneer who responded to the call to serve where the need was greater. In the mid to late 70’s, at the request of a circuit overseer, she moved to Marathon, Florida, where she studied with several people who eventually became solid Christians. One man, who with his wife and family studied with Deborah, later served in the Marathon congregation as an elder for many years.

When the call came to focus on the deaf community in South Florida, Deborah learned American Sign Language and became a skilled ASL interpreter. She enthusiastically taught the truth to individuals in the deaf community, some of whom continue to serve as pioneers and elders down to this day.

Even though her health started to decline in recent years, she accepted the invitation in 2022 and 2023 to join a team of international instructors who taught English to Bethel family members serving at the Congo Branch in Africa. Bethel family members who attended her teaching sessions spoke fondly of her knowledge and proficiency as an instructor.

Deborah lived a rich spiritual life, sharing in preaching campaigns in various parts of the country and the Turks and Caicos Islands, helping over 30 persons to come to a knowledge of the truth. She attended international conventions in various countries, including Israel, Greece and Poland. Deborah excelled at whatever she set her mind to do, always ready and willing to tirelessly support family and friends in need. She had unwavering faith in Jehovah’s promise to “call” those who have fallen asleep in death, and we have confidence that she will “answer” his call to return to life to fill the void her death has left in the heart of her dear husband Leroy, her siblings, and so many other family members and friends. (Job 14:15)