Deborah Ann Moore Whittaker, daughter of Richetta Moore and the late Hollis Moore, was born on February 23, 1958 in Neptune, New Jersey. She was called home to glory on Saturday, July 31, 2021 in Charleston, South Carolina.

At  an early age, Deborah joined Old Ship of Zion in Englishtown, NJ where she later was baptized.

Deborah received her education in the Freehold Borough public schools and graduated from Freehold Borough High School in 1974. She began her career with Freehold Borough Board of Education as a Teacher's Aide in 1982. Not only was she a teacher's aide, but Deborah was a remarkable mother figure to students starting from head start to twelfth grade. She worked as a teacher's aide for preschool special needs children, alongside her good friend Diane Mansfield. For 22 years, Deborah also was a Bus Aide who rode beside her good friend Agnes Smith. Deborah assisted in the after-school gifted and talented, visual and performing arts program. She worked alongside her best friend of 40 plus years, Sharon Brown, and they created many extracurricular opportunities within the community, such as girls drill team, church activities and community activities. She will be remembered for her unselfish dedication to children, the community and education.

Deborah was united in holy matrimony to Henry W. Whittaker Jr. on November 4, 1989. They raised nine children together. They celebrated 31 years of marriage.

Deborah loved music, whether it was being played in the car, at a party, or at home. She was known for dancing to the music on Saturday mornings while doing household cleaning and chores.

Deborah touched the lives of so many people, not just the students in school, but in her community as well. She provided guidance and her opinion as often as she was needed. She opened her doors to those in need. Deborah was not only the mother, sister, aunt in her family, but she was a mother, sister and aunt to her community also.

Deborah was preceded in death by her father, Hollis Moore; godson, Donte' Kelly; uncles, James Johnson, Dewey, Frank, Joseph, Lemuel and Charlsie Moore; and aunts, Amanda, Elouise and Willie Jean Moore.

Deborah leaves to cherish her memories: her mother, Richetta Moore; husband of 31 years, Henry W. Whittaker Jr.; children, Jermaine Sr., Brad Sr., Melvean, Marquitta, Sharnette, LaTesa, Brenda, Rashon and Kokia; nieces and nephews who she raised as her children, Nashonte' I'Mirra and Raheem Sr.; two sons-in-law, Aquil Sr. and Lamonte; three daughters-in-law, Nikkia, Jay and Staci; one goddaughter, Kiara Wright; eight brothers, Forton, Kenneth, Darryl, Kevin, Gregory, Ron, Quaron and Abdul; two sisters, Carolyn and Grethel; six sisters-in-law, Debra Stevenson, Rita Moore, Estelle Whittaker, Maria Butler, Carmen Thomas and Tara Crenshaw; grandchildren, I'Brianna, Faheem, Brad Jr., Onesty, Janae, Jermaine Jr., Azure, Ma'Niyah, I'Asis, Kieran, Aquil Jr., Jaquil, Nikeema, Justin, KenBrianna, Jamil, Keonia, Jalil, Lauren, Victoria, Jaden, Nikia, Juwan, Jacquel, Julius and Isaiah; great-grandchildren: Kashton, Kaori, Isaiah, KeMariayah, Karson, Mahki, Shyonna, Jordan Jr., Josiah, Ahmaya, Jaylian, Janiah, Rahmaud and Rajion; five aunts, Susie Wright, Melvean Johnson, Ethel Brown, Veronica Campbell and Marie Mickle; three uncles, Calvin, Earnest and Frazier Moore; two sister cousins, Patricia Norris and Kimberly Paulus; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

Viewing will be held Monday, August 9, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home (Moncks Corner). Face Masks are required. Graveside Service will be held Tuesday, August 10, 2021, 10:00 a.m., at Faulding Cemetery, Calestown Road, Jamestown, SC.