Deborah Kraft: A Life Worth Celebrating

Born on August 11, 1953 in the vibrant town of Cleveland, Ohio, Deborah Kraft's journey on this earthly plane came to a peaceful close on August 30, 2023. She gracefully bid adieu, leaving behind a legacy filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering zest for life. She was preceded in death by both of her parents Vernette and Leroy Alexander as well as her brother James “Jimmy” Alexander. She leaves behind two children Courtney Browne of Oberlin, Ohio & Trevor Browne of Vermilion, Ohio as well as 6 beautiful & loving grand kids Tyree Browne, David L Payne III, Cameron Payne, Laona Vanmeter, Brexley Browne & Huxton Browne.

Debbie was a force to be reckoned with—a free-spirited soul who danced through life like nobody was watching. With her infectious laughter and boundless energy, she brightened the world, one smile at a time.

Her passions knew no bounds. Debbie had an insatiable love for travel, and oh, the stories she would tell! From backpacking through the rolling hills of Tuscany to beautiful dinners in France at sunset, her wanderlust took her to every corner of the globe. A true adventurer, she embraced every culture, cuisine, and, of course, every opportunity to make new friends. Mom has friends all over the globe because of her travels & outgoing nature.

Debbie had a knack for nurturing life's simple pleasures. She was extremely creative & enjoyed sharing her creativity with others in various ways. She used to make amazing designs using scraps of fabrics & mount them into picture frames which she ultimately turned into a small business but she did it because she enjoyed it & because she enjoyed bringing joy to others.

She had the heart of a peacemaker and a shoulder as sturdy as an oak tree. She carried the weight of our family no matter what the situation was good, bad or indifferent…Mom was there to hold us up & did her best to protect us from the things she feared would hurt us. Family and friends knew Debbie as the go-to person for support, advice, or simply a listening ear. Her unwavering compassion and words of wisdom gave solace and strength to those who sought her guidance. Unfortunately I didn’t appreciate this until later in life because I probably could’ve saved myself a lot of unnecessary struggles but she never gave up on me, even when I gave up on myself. She loved both my brother & I whether we were 5 mins away or 5,000 miles away she would make time for us no matter what.

Debbie’s creativity & love knew no bounds. She loved to play cards with friends & family and loved listening to music especially music by Janis Joplin or Journey and when holidays came around she would whip up delectable desserts that made taste buds do the happy Dance. Not a day went by without her indulging in these creative pursuits, infused with her unique touch of magic.

A beacon of positivity, Debbie had the rare ability to turn any frown upside down. Her infectious laughter resonated with all who had the pleasure of knowing her. From her quick-witted humor to her unforgettable storytelling, she created a symphony of laughter that echoed through the room, leaving hearts feeling light and spirits lifted.

Today, as we bid farewell to dear Debbie, let us celebrate her time with us. She leaves behind cherished memories and an indelible imprint on the hearts of those who had the honor of sharing in her joy-filled journey.

In Debbie’s spirit, we invite you all to raise a glass, share a hearty laugh, and celebrate the extraordinary life of a woman who lived every moment with unyielding passion and exuberance. May her light continue to shine brightly in our hearts forever.

Rest in peace, dearly loved Deborah Kraft. You will be missed, but the footprints you left on our souls will never fade.