Debra Mathis-Washington

Debra Ann “Deb” Mathis Washington daughter of the late Emily Ann Blanton Mathis was born on February 24th, 1965, in Knoxville, TN. She was the fifth born child of six. Debra transitioned to her heavenly home on June 7th, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family. 

Debra was a member of First A.M.E. Zion Church where she faithfully and regularly was in attendance. She served on the women’s usher board and often was the second set of hands to assist her mother on the culinary committee. Deb was available with helping hands to all who needed her. Her latest task was chairperson of the 67th Church Anniversary May 18th, 2025.

Debra graduated from Austin East High School Class of 1983. She participated in band as a flag girl and Tapperette (tap dancer). Deb devoted her adult life to the health care industry working many years at Farragut Healthcare Center before 19 years of service at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital 2nd floor where she was a valued and loved employee.

Deb will certainly be missed by her family. She was full of life, love, and laughter. Her children and grandchildren were her joy! She greatly loved and enjoyed spending time traveling and attending gatherings amongst family and friends. Debra loved all genres of music from gospel to RnB. She had a weakness for pork rinds and Lays plain chips along with Almond Joys. Her

hobbies consisted of watching many reality tv shows, solving word searches and crossword puzzles. She thoroughly loved to shop, shop, and shop from purses to shoes from hand soaps to candles from scrubs to Stanley cups. Debra had the heart and passion for providing to many such as loved ones, a listening ear, and simply being supportive and encouraging. Her genuine soul will never be forgotten.

Preceded in death grandparents:(maternal) James B. Blanton Jr. and Martha L. Blanton (paternal) Louise Davis, sister: Mary Linda Mathis, brother: James “World” Davis. Aunt: Paulette B. Herbin, Uncles: James B. Blanton III, Gene “Tiny” Davis, and Willie L. Davis Sr.

She leaves to cherish her memories survived by father: James G. Davis “Ba Bro”, daughters: LaTasha Ranae Mathis and Monique Washington (Michael Meno Sr), siblings: Christopher Dexter, Marilynn Mathis, Kimberly Strickland, James E Mathis Sr (Juvenia), Lisa Washington, Jeremiah, Jamesena, Bilal, Lance and Aquillah Davis. Grandchildren: Ka’Mya Flowers, Michael Meno Jr, Kamren Mathis, McKenzye Meno and Godson Houston “Nelo” McKenzie. Aunts: Rose B. Davis, Teresa, Mary, and Audrey Davis. Uncles: Michael W. Blanton and Jerome Davis. A host of first cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends too numerous to name. Deb is also survived by her best dearest friends Janice Maples (lifelong), Elicia Wynder, and Mr. Shamus Foster. She will be regarded in the hearts of church members, church class leader, coworkers and associates all considered to her as family. Debra will be long remembered and cherished by all.

The family will receive friends Saturday June 14, 2025 from 11:30 to 12pm at First A.M.E. Zion Church, 1900 McCalla Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915, with celebration of life services to follow. Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary. www.jarniganandson.com