Deborah Ann Sam, 58, passed away Sept. 19, 2015.

She was born Jan. 2, 1957, in Bogalusa, to the union of the late Sidney Sam Jr. and Annie B. Sam.

Deborah attended Jones Creek Elementary and Varnado High School in Varnado, where Deborah lived with her loving and doting grandparents, the late Frank Foster Jr. and Chinieca Foster. In 1973, she relocated to Chicago in her junior year and attended James H. Bowen High School. She graduated in 1975 and was an active member of many clubs and was inducted into the National Honor Society.

Deborah earned a bachelor of arts degree in economics from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana and a master of business administration degree from the Keller Graduate School of Management.

Deborah worked professionally as a network planner for Lucent Technologies for many years, and she also worked for the U.S. government as a telecommunications analyst. Just recently, she held a brief work assignment with The Meekins Group accounting firm.

In 1993, Deborah was united in matrimony to Carlton Scott Binion. To this union one child was born. Deborah was a devoted mother to her only son, Carlton Scott Binion II “Scotty.” She was also an adorning aunt to Sydni-Anne “Chandler” and a wonderful sister to Cindy and Daphne.

Deborah loved all of her family. She was the main catalyst behind organizing the successful biennial Sam-Robinson Family Reunion. She spent countless hours making calls, sending letters and emails to ensure the reunions were a success.

Deborah received Christ at an early age and had a personal relationship with the Lord. She was baptized at Mary’s Chapel United Methodist Church in Varnado.

She later joined Wesley United Methodist Church, where she was spiritually dedicated to doing the Lord’s work for more than 35 years.