Deborah Brewer

All who knew Deborah Brewer would say that she loved life no matter what came her way. She had a kind and caring spirit that was shown through her nurturing ways. Throughout her entire life’s journey, and she was always willing to help anyone who needed it. Family was a huge part of Deborah’s life, and there was nothing more important to her than spending time with the ones she loved. Very hardworking and never one to shy away from a challenge, Deborah will be forever remembered by those who knew her best.

The 1950s were a time unlike any other in America. Televisions were becoming part of our homes like never before, and with them came our introduction to shows like I Love Lucy, Father Knows Best, and The Honeymooners. Elvis Presley introduced the world to rock ‘n roll music, and by the end of the decade we had become a nation of 50 states with the additions of both Alaska and Hawaii. It was just as this decade was dawning that Roy and Bonnie Brewer were filled with great anticipation as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the first glimmers of spring began to appear on the horizon in Battle Creek, Michigan. Their wait was over on March 1st when the baby girl they named Deborah drew her first breath. Raised in the family home in Battle Creek, she was the third of five children as she was joined in her family by her older brothers, Larry and David, as well as her younger twin sisters, Brenda and Linda. Deborah was very close to her siblings as only six years separated the oldest from the youngest, and she was only 15 months when her twin sisters were born. Her father worked for Post Cereal and the Federal Center while her mother worked in the nursing field.

From the time she was a young girl, so many of the things that made Deborah extraordinary were already enriching the lives of those around her. Her nurturing spirit was one of them as she was very tender toward her younger sisters and older brothers. When any of her siblings were sick or hurt, Deborah was there to take care of them. She and her siblings often weathered the storms that came along as a very tight unit. Her parents’ selfless work ethic influenced her for her entire life and taught her as a young girl never to be afraid of hard work. Deborah applied these lessons as she worked her way through high school at Battle Creek Central, proudly graduating in 1968. She thoroughly enjoyed singing in an acapella choir, and one of her fondest memories was of going to Europe with her choir to sing and the choir was ranked number one. Deborah continued to love singing during her entire life.

Deborah couldn’t help but show her caring spirit to anyone and everyone. On the trip to Europe with her choir, she helped a visually impaired girl get around, and loved doing it too. It was no surprise to anyone when Deborah started college at KVCC and obtained a nursing degree there. Always one eager to learn more, however, she also went to Western Michigan University and graduated in 1984 with her BSN. Later she pursued a Master's Degree.

When looking at all that occupied Deborah’s life, it was easy to see that family was the most important to her. Though she never had any children of her own, she shared her love with several aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins, and she did her best to be an inspiration and role model for them. Deborah placed high value on family and its roots, and for this reason she always made time to attend family reunions and would often help organize them. Deborah considered any day to be a good one when it was spent with family and friends.

Deborah was truly a woman of many interests. She enjoyed traveling, and throughout her life she visited places such as Europe, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. She also liked HGTV and cooking, and she was known for her fabulous chocolate cake. Deborah loved to eat seafood such as lobster and shrimp. Deborah also enjoyed her job as she worked as a manager at the Fresenius Dialysis Centers, a place where she could truly help others. She had also worked at Community Hospital, Borgess Hospital, and the Federal Center in Battle Creek. One of Deborah’s favorite things to do was study the Bible and she currently attended the Kingdom Hall of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Deborah always wanted people to love others, and she did her best to teach those she knew to take care of and love others selflessly. She also pressed the importance of responsibility and hard work. Deborah practiced what she preached, and she worked diligently until 2015 when a surgery, followed by a decline in her health, forced her into an early retirement. Deborah did not let this stop her, however, and she still found ways to serve and be a good example to others.

When reflecting on the life of Deborah Brewer, it is easy to see that she treasured the value of each and every person. She is remembered by all who knew her as a good organizer, a fantastic manager, a people person and above all else a nurturing person. Deborah had a great sense of humor and loved to make people laugh. Her nurturing ways to everyone around her was a gift that will remain with those that loved her. Deborah will be forever missed, but she leaves behind a legacy that her loved ones with proudly carry on in her footsteps.

Deborah Brewer, age 69 of Kalamazoo, died on Wednesday, August 28, 2019. Members of her family include her 2 brothers: Larry Brewer of Wyoming, MI and David Brewer of Kalamazoo; a sister Brenda (John) Wilson all of Kalamazoo; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Deborah was preceded in death by her parents and her sister Linda Blackwell. Visit with family and friends on Friday, September 6, 2019 from 4-7 p.m. at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive; Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900 where services will be held on Saturday, at 11 a.m. Cremation will follow the service. Please visit Deborah’s personal web page at www.BetzlerLifeStory.com , where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.