Deborah Ann Hawkins was born on October 6, 1953, in Dallas, Texas to the proud and loving parents Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Hawkins Jr. At an early age, Deborah accepted Christ and united with Riverside Missionary Baptist Church, where she remained a faithful and devoted member until her health began to decline. She graduated from W.W. Samuell High School in 1973, where she made history as one of the school's first African American cheerleaders, embodying courage, grace, leadership, and school spirit. Deborah continued her education at East Texas State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1975 and a Master of Science degree in 1977, preparing her for a lifelong career in education, mentorship, and service.

For 42 years, Deborah committed her life to uplifting and educating students at David W. Carter High School in Dallas, Texas. She served with excellence as a Psychology and Sociology teacher, Cheer and Dance Director, and Department Chair of Social Studies. Under her leadership, her department consistently earned high state assessment scores, and she was admired for her passion, high standards, encouragement, and impact on generations of students. Deborah was honored as Teacher of the Year for 1997–1998, a recognition celebrating her extraordinary dedication and influence. Over the course of her distinguished career, she also received numerous prestigious awards including the Sharpest Shooter of the West Award, the Spurs Award, the Perfect Attendance Award, the Above and Beyond Award, the Extra Mile Award, the Principal Service Award, the Best All-Around Award, the Invaluable Service Award, and the Devoted Service and Leadership Award, all reflecting her servant's heart, excellence, and tireless devotion to her calling.

More than her many accomplishments, Deborah's true legacy was love. Her lifelong goal was to be a friend to all mankind, and she lived that mission with sincerity, humor, warmth, and grace. She never met a stranger, and her uplifting spirit, kindness, and radiant personality made everyone feel valued, seen, and embraced. She also cherished a treasured sisterhood with her beloved circle of friends known as "The Golden Girls," Lenda Dabney, Mary Davis, Julia Blackwell, Eugenia Butler, and Brondolyn Goldsmith, with whom she shared deep fellowship, laughter, loyalty, and unforgettable memories.

On October 23, 2025, Deborah peacefully transitioned from this earthly life, leaving a powerful legacy of love, leadership, compassion, and connection. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted husband, Lowry Briley; her beloved daughters, Cynthia Dillard (Al) of Lancaster, Texas and Shonda Boston-Smith (Will) of Glenn Heights, Texas; her loving step-sons, Dwight Briley, Calvin Briley (Lisa), Kevin Neal (Greta), and Reginald Williams (Sherrie); her treasured grandchildren, Kaylie Neal, Jacob Neal, and Mason Neal; her dearly loved nieces, Misti Ransom and Shayna Woodley, whom she raised as her own daughters with unconditional love, guidance, and unwavering devotion; her adored great-nephews, Nicholas Langrum, J'Shane Cork, Joshua Cork, Judah Cork, and Jonathan Cork; her precious great-great niece, Sanai Cork; her dear sisters-in-law, Ada Wilson, Nola Daniels, Patricia Matthews, Janice Briley, and Francis Briley; along with a host of cousins, colleagues, former students, and friends whose lives were richly impacted by her heart, wisdom, and friendship.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, A.C. Hawkins and Margaret Hawkins; her sister, Sandra Woodley; her brother-in-law, Curtis Woodley; and her beloved nephew, Ferrenski Woodley.