Deborah Lucille Parsons, affectionately known as "Debbie", was born to Percy L. and Doris Joyner Parsons on September 26, 1949 in Jacksonville, Florida.  She received her early education in Duval County schools, graduating from William M. Raines Senior High School's first graduating Class of 1966.

Debbie began her secondary educational pursuits at Xavier University in New Orleans, LA.  Having been raised by two Florida A&M Rattlers, she decided to transfer to FAMU in Tallahassee, FL, eventually receiving a bachelor's degree in Sociology from the University of North Florida in Jacksonville.

After college, Debbie began working as a Teacher's Aide within Duval County Schools. As a Teacher's Aide (Para-Professional) Deborah played a vital role in organizing the Para-professional Committee of Duval Teachers United (DTU) and securing the first Collective Bargaining Contract for Para-professionals in Duval County. She left this position to serve as the Assistant Director of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) faithfully serving for over twenty years. In 1992, Debbie began an auspicious career with the State of Florida as a Legislative Assistant to State Representative, Tony Hill—rendering dedicated service until retiring after nearly twenty years of dedicated service.

Throughout her life, Debbie was involved with the Duval Teachers Union, ACLU, Jacksonville Chapter of A Philip Randolph Institute, and the Coalition of Black Unionists. She accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior early in life and became a member of Simpson Memorial United Methodist Church.

Deborah Lucille Parsons returned to the Lord on Friday, May 2, 2025, in Hampton, Georgia surrounded by family. Waiting to greet her on the other side with open arms are her parents, and her brother, Percy L. Parsons, II.

Debbie's legacy will continue to live on in her devoted sisters, Ms. Dottye Joy Parsons Young and Ms. Doris Vivian Parsons, her loving family including niece, Ms. Leah Parsons Reed; grandniece, Little Miss Rylan Reed; sister-in-love, Ms. Myra Smith Parsons; loving god-daughter, Ana Houston, aunt, Mrs. Doris Fowler Scott; a special little sister, Ka'Sharon Purdy Hose; god-sister, Mrs. Lula Spratling Brown; god-brother, Johnny Garey; devoted caregiver, Ms. Alva Simmons and a number of loving cousins and other relatives and special caring friends.