Mrs. Deborah Delaney Anthony

Deborah Ann Delaney Anthony Deborah Ann Delaney Anthony was born on January 21, 1952, in Atlanta, Georgia, at Grady Memorial Hospital to the late Myra Delaney and Willie Amos Delaney. She was the second of four children and was preceded in death by her brothers, Willie “Punkin” Delaney and Ronald “Ron-Ron” Delaney, and her sister, Delores “Dede” Morrow. Deborah was educated in the Atlanta Public School System. She attended Frank L. Stanton Elementary School and graduated from H. M. Turner High School in 1969. She later attended Morris Brown College, where she proudly became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Deborah earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1973 and later received her master’s degree in early childhood education from Georgia State University in 1980. Teaching was more than a profession for Deborah. It was truly her calling. She devoted her career to the children and families of the DeKalb County School District, where she taught kindergarten, first-, second-, and fifth-grade students with patience, warmth, and care. Throughout the years, she served at Rowland, Rockbridge, Pine Ridge, Stone Mill, Redan, and Atherton Elementary Schools. Even after retiring as a full-time educator in 2018, she continued working as a substitute teacher and reading specialist because she simply loved being around children. The many former students who remained in contact with her throughout adulthood reflected the lasting impact she made in their lives. Deborah lived by the quote, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” She demonstrated this daily through her patience, compassion, and unwavering dedication to every child she taught. Deborah was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her children were the center of her world. She welcomed her daughters from a previous marriage, Andrea Dionne and Alana Shalise, in 1974 and 1978, and together they were affectionately known as “The Three Musketeers.” In 1987, Deborah married the love of her life, Roger Lee Anthony Jr., and together they shared 38 beautiful years of marriage. Their union was blessed with their son, Roger Lee Anthony III, and Deborah also lovingly embraced Shelia Michelle Philpot as her own daughter. Though her children often joked about who was Mama’s favorite, the truth is she made each of them feel like they were. Deborah accepted Christ at an early age at Allen Temple A.M.E. Church, where the foundation of her faith was established. Throughout her life, her relationship with God remained steadfast and unwavering. She later worshipped at Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, The Light of the World Christian Ministries, and Voices of Faith Church. Deborah eventually stood faithfully beside her husband, Bishop Roger Lee Anthony Jr., as Lady Anthony of Greater Peace Deliverance Ministries. Prayer was second nature to her, and her faith touched everyone around her. She never hesitated to encourage others, offer wisdom, or lift someone in prayer. On Monday, May 4, 2026, Deborah peacefully answered God’s call to eternal rest. While her passing was unexpected for those who loved her, her family finds comfort in knowing that God’s plan is always perfect. Deborah lived with joy and gratitude. She loved sports and faithfully supported her Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Hawks. She enjoyed bowling, laughing with family, long conversations, FaceTime calls, sharing funny social media posts, and preparing meals for the people she loved most. She especially loved supporting her family, cheering on her daughter's coaching, attending her son’s art shows, and proudly showing up for her grandchildren’s performances and special events. Her presence brought comfort, wisdom, and light into every room she entered. She had a beautiful spirit that drew people to her naturally, and those fortunate enough to know her will forever remember her kindness, her humor, her strength, and her unwavering love. More than anything, Deborah loved her family wholeheartedly. She poured herself into the people she loved and made each person feel seen, valued, and cared for. She was a woman of grace, faith, and compassion whose life reflected the love of Christ daily. She leaves to cherish her precious memory her devoted husband, Roger Lee Anthony Jr.; her loving children, Dionne McGee (Kevin), Alana “Lani” Allen, Roger “Roggee” Anthony III, and Shelia “Chelle” Philpot; granddaughters Kayla and Amaya McGee, and host of sisters in law, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, relatives, dear friends, former students, and all whose lives were blessed by knowing her. Though her earthly work is complete, Deborah’s love and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched. Her smile, laughter, wisdom, and faith will never be forgotten. “And let us not be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.” - Galatians 6:9

Tributes

Mrs. Deborah Delaney Anthony

January 21, 1952 - May 4, 2026