On Saturday morning, April 8, 2023, at 4:30 a.m., Deborah Ann (Borden) Cunningham fell asleep in death. Deborah was born to the late Richard Henry Avant, Sr., and Etta Mae (Lawyer) Avant in Miami, Florida.

 

Some may wonder why the year she was born is blanked out. It all came from our mother because when someone would ask her, “How old are you?” our mother would say, “If you had asked me how young I was, I would have told you.” When that person then would ask, “So, how young are you?” our mother would say, “It’s too late now.” That answered their question.

 

Deborah worked as a nurse during her teenage years, along with her teenage sister, the late Jutland (Avant) Rolle, and their mother, Mrs. Etta Mae (Lawyer) Avant, a register nurse (RN) who trained her two daughters. Deborah went to Miami Carol City Senior High School and studied at Miami Dade College.

 

As we mourn the loss of Deborah, “Debbie,” our dear wife, our hearts are broken today as brothers, sisters, daughters, goddaughters, grandchildren, children, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Despite the early death of her dazzling light and large heart, our memories of her warmth, compassion, kindness, and forgivableness will live.

 

Deborah had a short journey through life, but in that time she gave us all some valuable lessons. The most noteworthy of them was to foster an unwavering attitude of gratitude. She used to say, “It’s fascinating how once you start focusing on the blessings in your life, you start to forget what you don’t have.” Deborah was a pistol in her own way. If she said something negative about you, at the end of the day she would apologize. With her tone of voice, we can’t help but accept her apology.

 

One of Deborah’s passions was singing in the choir at the New Jerusalem Primitive Baptize Church with Pastor Kenneth A. Duke, presiding. She loved dancing, Deborah was able to do all the latest dances, you name it, Deborah was able to master any dances, from the mash potato to the wobble, wobble. Talk about a comedian. This she was. Jennifer Lewis and Whoopi Goldberg didn’t have anything on Deborah. Yes, she kept anyone she knew laughing their heart out. Talk about a mean cook too. Deborah would put her foot or whole body in her cooking. Also, she was very caring for her animals. One of her favorite pets was named Lady (who got lost), and later she gained twin dogs, Precious and Scooter. We will surely miss Deborah, a.k.a. “Debbie” or “Stanker.” 

 

We will grieve our sister, along with everyone she impacted throughout her life, including: her husband, Darryl Cunningham; brothers, Ernest Avant, Richard Avant, Jr., and Kevin Avant; sisters, Ada Avant, Lillian Olivia Avant, Venitha Small, and Jill Avant; children, Quanella Avant, Lakeshia Hill, Dorothy, and Darvett; one of her best friends in the world, Korene Johnson; Darryl’s aunt, Theresa, who would join Korene and tag along with Deborah to get their eye lashes and nails done every month (Deborah was pushing two Miss Daisys, so to speak (lol); cousins, Marie Lawyer Martin, and Stacy and Tracy Martin who always was there for Aunt Etta Mae Lawyer Avant and the Avant family in a time of need; and a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, neighbors, and friends.  

 

Deborah was preceded in death by two brothers, Winfred Anthony Avant and Cleveland Avant; two sisters, Beverly Murray Avant and Juland Rolle; one nephew, Kevin Hill; and one cousin, Jesse Sr.