DEBORAH (HAMPTON) CLEVELAND

Deborah Venita Cleveland (Hampton) departed this life and entered her heavenly home on Saturday, September 21, 2025. She was born on September 3, 1949, in Atlanta, Georgia, to her loving parents, Charles Squire Hampton and Katherine E. Hampton, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also the stepdaughter of Albert Etchison, who is also deceased. Deborah was the youngest of three children. She spent her childhood summers in Richland, Georgia, with her beloved grandmother, Mrs. Lavonia Gaines, creating cherished memories that she carried throughout her life. A proud graduate of C.L. Harper High School, Class of 1967, Deborah continued her education at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University). While at Clark, Deborah focused wholeheartedly on her academics and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Sociology. Deborah went on to build an extraordinary career as a claims adjuster, serving clients across Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Connecticut. Over nearly six decades, she earned a reputation for fairness, diligence, and insight. Attorneys and colleagues alike held her in high regard for her sound judgment and professionalism. Through her work, she helped and counseled countless individuals and businesses, retiring—twice—from a career she deeply loved. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Deborah’s greatest joy was her family. A devoted and patient mother, she poured her heart into raising her child and nurturing her grandchildren, always encouraging them to strive for excellence. She delighted in sharing stories of her family’s rich history, particularly the Massey, Etchison, and Hampton lineages. Known lovingly as “Heymommie” to her grand, and great grandchildren, Deborah remained a guiding light in their lives—helping with school decisions, life choices, and reminding them of the true meaning of faith, family, and Christmas. Her love, wisdom, and generosity will continue to echo through generations. Deborah’s faith was the foundation of her life. As a young woman, she joined Antioch Baptist Church North, where she lovingly became known as the cookie lady. Deborah faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher. Her students fondly remember how she lived her Christian values through action—quietly demonstrating compassion, grace, and unwavering faith. In addition to her faith and family, Deborah found joy in reading and writing. A proud member of the Johari Book Club, she loved sharing and exchanging good books with friends. She also maintained personal journals throughout her life, documenting her reflections, experiences, and the everyday beauty of living. Deborah leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and faith. She is survived by her cherished daughter, Mrs. Denée J. Smith-Harris (Melvin); five loving grandchildren, Brandon E. Traylor, Katherine E. Elmore (Tristan), Tommie Smith Jr. (Jazmine), Khai E. Sekandi (Anthony), and Thailand E. Smith; and four adored great-grandchildren, Anthony Hampton Juhan-Smith, Anthony L. Sekandi, Milan N. Sekandi, and Tima D. Elmore. She is also survived by one brother, Ronald S. Hampton Sr. (Joyce); nieces Valencia Jackson (Rhonda), Michelle E. Hampton, and Anita H. Casby (Aaron); nephews Doug Hampton II (Evelyne), Charles E. Hampton, Ph.D., and Matthew C. Hampton (Dishonia); as well as many beloved great-nieces, nephews, cousins, and members of her extended family. She is also survived by former husbands, Naaman Juhan and Ron Cleveland. Deborah was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Douglas Hampton; two grandchildren, Deborah Berea Smith and Kenneth Jeremiah Smith; two nephews, Solomon Squire Hampton and Ronald S. Hampton Jr.; and a niece, Deborah Sheron Hampton. In her final years, Deborah was surrounded by love and care. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Danika, Tonya and Reuben for their dedication, support and compassion. Memorial contributions may be made in her honor to the family’s private trust, Hampton House, 4002 Highway 78 W, Suite 530-360, Snellville, Georgia 30039. Arrangements are entrusted to Raleigh Rucker Funeral Home, 2199 Candler Road, Decatur, GA 30032, (404) 288-7015. Please visit www.raleighruckerfh.com to sign the online guestbook or plant a tree in Deborah’s memory. “For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens... We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” — 2 Corinthians 5:1,8 

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