Debra Marshall

It is with deep love and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Debra Marshall, the beloved matriarch of our family, on August 26, 2026. Debra was born on September 13, 1952, in Washington, D.C., to John and Shirley Marshall.

Known by many names — Mom, Grandma, Gigi, Big Sis, Aunt Debra, Debra, Debi, and Deb — she held a special place in the lives of so many people. Debra was kind, caring, generous, and supportive. She was the type of person who would give you the shirt off her back and would always do what she could to make sure the people she loved were okay.

Debra attended Cardozo High School and went on to build a career with the United States Government as an Administrative Assistant.

Family was at the center of Debra’s life. To her daughter, Courtney, she was not only a mother but also her best friend. She shared an especially close bond with her grandchildren, whom she helped care for when they were young. Her love, support, and presence helped shape generations of her family, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved her dearly.

Debra also knew how to enjoy the little things that made her happy. She loved Bruno Mars, never minded settling in for an episode of Jeopardy!, and was a huge fan of I Love Lucy and The Golden Girls. Those who knew her will remember not only the big ways she showed her love, but also the familiar everyday things that made Debra simply Debra.

Debra is survived by her daughter, Courtney Marshall-Prescod; her grandchildren, Darya Hamidou, De’Ja Marshall, Diante Marshall, Darion Finley, and Da’Quan Marshall; her great-grandchildren, Aria Hamidou and Aiyanna Hamidou; her siblings, Andrita Spencer and Terry Marshall; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Shirley Marshall; her siblings, Shirley “Regina” Payne, Anthony Marshall, Eric Marshall, and Larry Marshall.

In her final days, Debra was surrounded by the love of her family and friends, including her sister Andrita and her nieces and nephews, who remained by her side.

Debra leaves behind a family who loved her immensely and a legacy of kindness, generosity, support, and love that will continue through the generations that follow her.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

“What matters is not wealth, or status, or power, or fame — but rather, how well we have loved.” — Barack Obama