Deborah Renee Neal, 53, of Roselle, New Jersey, departed this life peacefully in the early morning hours of February 11, 2026, following a brief but courageous battle with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Though her fight was short, she faced it with the strength, grace, and quiet determination that defined her life. Deborah was born on August 9th to Mary Williams and Hughes Johnson, joining a family with two much older brothers who adored her. Being ten to thirteen years her senior, they helped shape a confident and resilient young woman who always knew she was deeply protected and loved. She was raised in a nurturing home that laid the foundation for her lifelong commitment to family, faith, and service. Deborah was a proud graduate of John Jay College of the City University of New York, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 1995. She later obtained her Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University School of Social Work in 2005. Her professional journey reflected both excellence and compassion. She began her career as a Team Leader at Project Renewal in New York City, later serving as Senior Client Unit Coordinator at Geel Community Services. She continued her leadership as Program Manager at Beacon of Hope and Associate Director of Operations and Supported Housing. Most recently, she served with distinction at the New York State Office of Mental Health at South Beach Psychiatric Center on the Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team. While Deborah loved her profession, her greatest devotion was to her family. She met her husband, Lester, in 1991 while both were working at Alexander’s Department Store in New York City. After several determined attempts on his part, she agreed to a date, a decision that blossomed into 24 years of marriage and the blessing of two beautiful children, Alicia and Miles, who, for all eternity will hold her heart. In 2005, Deborah and Lester made Roselle their home. She embraced the community wholeheartedly, believing it was the perfect place to raise their family and contribute meaningfully. In 2016, she was inducted into the Greater Union County Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., later transitioning to the Associate Chapter in 2023. She was also an active member of Roselle Women On The Move and was elected First Vice President of the Roselle Section of the National Council of Negro Women. Deborah lived with intention and purpose. Guided by her faith in God and the principles of His Word, she dedicated her life to serving individuals often marginalized, stigmatized, misunderstood and dismissed. From an early age, she was drawn to the field of mental health. She believed in seeing the whole person and not merely a diagnosis. She worked diligently to advocate for housing, access to treatment, safety, and human dignity for those in the psychiatric community. She pursued impact over income, purpose over prestige. This year, she had hoped to earn her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credential and launch DN Consulting and Evaluation Services, LLC which was a vision she prayed for and held close to her heart.Deborah leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and transformative impact. Through her work, faith, and relationships, she touched thousands of lives both directly and indirectly. To honor her life and cherish her memory, Deborah is survived by her devoted husband, Lester; her beloved daughter, Alicia; and son, Miles. She is also survived by her brothers, Albert (June) and Alex (Bonnie); her nephews Collins III, Ronald, Frantz, Pharoh, and Albert II; her nieces Tamika, Alisha, and Alecia; and her cherished sister by love, Villora Clark (Andrew), along with their children and grandchildren. She also leaves behind a host of extended family members, dear friends, colleagues, and community partners. Deborah was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Williams; her father, Hughes Johnson; her brothers Joe Johnson; and Collins Williams II. Deborah’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and service. Though God has called His angel home, her love, her work, and her example will continue to guide and inspire all who were blessed to know her