Deborah was born May 14, 1954 in Detroit, MI, as the eldest child of Patronius Woodberry and Mary Westley. She attended the Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Cooley High School, class of 1972.

In the early 80s, she migrated to Texas for a fresh start on life. She attended El Centro College and received a Paralegal Associate's Degree in 1997. Deborah would go on to have a long successful career with Sprint Telecommunications and a beautiful family which included her husband; Robert Small and her two children Shamont and Ashley Small .

In 1990, she accepted Christ as her lord and savior. She then found her forever church home at True Lee Missionary Baptist Church lead by Robert L Parish Sr. She served the lord in various ministries including: mission, usher board, deaconess, and a mentor in the prison ministry. She played a key role as a mentor; supporting the women while incarcerated and also during their newly found freedom.

Deborah was known as the life of the party with a "tell it like it is" attitude. She enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends, and shopping. She celebrated life and lived life to the fullest.

Deborah departed in peace on October 14, 2021. She was proceeded in death by her mother Mary Westley, her father Patronius Woodberry, her step-father Vance Westley, sister Wanda Woodberry, and her son Shamont Small . Deborah is survived by her husband, Robert Small , daughter Ashley Small , daughter in law Chastity Oliver, her grandson Desmond Small , granddaughter Casey Small , her father in law Chuck Armstrong, sister-in-law: Ella Kovette Carmen (Harold), Charleata Armstrong, Cynthia Armstrong, other brothers and sisters, a host of nieces/nephews, along with a multitude of family/friends that will miss her tremendously.