CELEBRATION OF LIFE
“…The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”
Job 1:21
Christine Nicholson Debrough departed this life on Thursday, August 19, 2021, at 6:31 p.m. Life had been precious to her, and she felt the blessings of God though life had been difficult at times. Her delight was in her children.
Christine Nicholson was born on May 20, 1942, in Portsmouth, VA to the parents of Earvin Nicholson, Sr. and Christine White Nicholson. She was the eldest of 7 children and resided in Portsmouth, VA all her life. In her early 20s, she met William Debrough, Jr. and married in the early 1960s. From their union was born, Marleena Debrough, William Debrough, III, and Melody Debrough. She also had 2 other stepchildren, Doretha Cook Coggins and William Michael Smith.
She worked occasionally as a day-care worker for many years but spent most of her time caring for her children at home. She always had additional children in her home that she kept for weeks and took to church including Patrice Slaughter Robinson, Aaron Dudley, Linwood Slaughter, Jr., Tanesha Ford, Nicole Gray, Timothy Gray and Salinda [Puddin] Porter. She was a member of the Prentis Park Seventh-day Adventist Church for over 50 years. She held positions such as usher, usher leader, prayer ministry team member, women’s choir member, treasurer for adult sabbath-school, lower division sabbath-school teacher, and fifty-plus member. Her most accomplished work was writing many poems with two of them, “Mother and What Does Friendship Mean to Me,” being published with other authors in A Time to Be Free – 1999 and the American Poetry Annual – 1999.
Christine leaves to cherish her memory as she rests in Jesus: three children – Marleena Debrough – Suffolk, VA, William T. Debrough, III, [Carla] – Portsmouth, VA, Melody Debrough – Suffolk, VA; two stepchildren – Doretha Cook Coggins [Keith] – Illinois and William Michael Smith [Tara] – Virginia Beach; six grandchildren – Tyman Jackson [Monica], Keon Thompson, Jerrod Short, Theodore Turner-Dynia, Johnathan Martin, and Yvonne Martin; 6 step-grandchildren: – Alexis Smith, Maisha Smith, Michael Smith, Maiya Smith, Anthony Cook, and Tinikka Scott; three brothers: James Nicholson [Beverly], Eddie Nicholson, and Tony Nicholson; one sister – Shirline Slaughter; one great-aunt – Mattie Simmons – Louisburg, NC; five great-grandchildren – Donovan Pollard, Tylia Jackson, Dillan Jackson, Dru Jackson and Justina Martin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, and brothers-in-law.
She is predeceased by her former husband – William Debrough, Jr.; her parents – Earvin Nicholson, Sr. and Christine Nicholson; one sister – Cynthia Bogan; and one brother – Earvin Nicholson, Jr. Her greatest delight is when all of her children were together; especially in church.
Condolences(14)-
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Mattie L Simmons says
August 25, 2021 at 12:20 amMarleena, William, and Melody, Your mother was proud of you and so am I. You really took good care of your mother. I am sorry that i am not able to be there with you, but my heart and prayers are with you. I know you are going through a difficult time, but always remember that joy will come in the morning.
Tanasha Barry says
August 27, 2021 at 1:53 pmFrom the Barry/Mendoza family we send our sincere condolences to Pastor Marlenna, Melody, and William. Ms.Christine will always hold a very special place in myself and my children’s hearts. May she Rest in Heaven.
Audrea Johnson says
August 25, 2021 at 7:55 amWilliam, Marleena, and Melody, In The Loss of Your Special, Loved One When the heart is grieving God comes near… To bring His comfort, to catch every tear. May God hold you close, comfort you gently, and carry you through. Isaiah 46:4 God will be there for you, He made you, care for you, and carry you along.
In Prayer and Sympathy
Byron & Audrea Johnson
RIH Mother Debrough
Wanda Daughtry says
August 26, 2021 at 8:32 amOur hearts are heavy as we grieve with you in the loss of your beloved mother. Time will help ease the pain you’re feeling and your memories and love will soothe your aching heart. Pastor Marleena please know that we are praying for you and your entire family. God is with you and He will give you the strength to endure. You were truly a blessing to me when both of my parents passed away and I only wish I could be there now to wrap my arms around you in the same way. We pray for comfort, peace, strength and love for your family.
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4
In peace and love,
Nate and Wanda Daughtry and family
Mamie Dailey says
August 26, 2021 at 3:14 pmTo the Debrough Family. I am truly sorry for the loss of your beloved mother. She will surely be missed. She was such a sweet lady and always had a beautiful smile for everyone. I didn’t know her very well but the time I did is so memorable. God bless you all and God will heal all sorrows in due time. Mamie Dailey
Savannah I. Johnson, and family says
August 26, 2021 at 4:44 pmA mother’s love is alive forever. In the lessons she taught, the patience she gave, and in the hearts of the children she raised. Our prayers go out to you in this time of great sadness.
Sharrie Ford Kellam & family says
August 26, 2021 at 6:33 pmDear Cousins,
We are so sorry for your loss. ‘Aunt Christine’ was such a good, christian woman. She helped raise us when we were little and got us going to church and loving the Lord! She always took people in and gave a helping hand to all. The Earth has truly lost an angel.
Barbara Nicholson Anderson & Family says
August 26, 2021 at 7:24 pmMarleena, Melody, and William, words cannot express the pain of loosing a mother. I lost my mother in March 1, 2020. I will not be attending the service. I am praying for you and extend to you and the family deep and heartfelt sympathy. Remember, she loved you and God does not make no mistakes.
Patrice Adams says
August 26, 2021 at 9:41 pmTo the Debrough family. I am truly sorry for you loss! Ms. Christine always greeted me and my family with a smile! I am blessed to have met her! God bless you all!
Mary sutphin says
August 27, 2021 at 11:07 amKeeping you in my prayers pastor!love you!May God be with you and your family during this time of sorrow.
Wanda Jones says
August 27, 2021 at 11:33 amMarleena, Melody, William, and family, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you all. Melody, I wish I could be there with you. I’m sorry I could not make it in person; I’m here with you through live stream. Always remember in your darkest hour, God will carry you when you can’t carry yourself. My prayers will continue to go up for you and your family. God has you!
Beverley Beacor says
August 27, 2021 at 11:34 amCondolences to you and family
Elaine Williams says
August 27, 2021 at 1:04 pmHi Pastor Marleena and family,
Please accept the condolences of the officers and members of the Willow Grove Chieftains Pathfinder Club on the death of your mother. We extend to you our sympathy and wish we could give you a big hug-not that it would change anything, but all our thoughts and love are with you now and always.
Chieftains Pathfinders
Tiffany Smith-Brissett says
August 27, 2021 at 7:18 pmMarleena,Melody, Big Will,Carla and Tyman and family,
I so wanted to be with you today. I watched from my desk at work. It was a beautiful service. My prayers are with you all. Love you
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