MAYFIELD — Deborah Ann Wilson of Mayfield, Ky., born April 11, 1951, went to be with her Lord on July 13, 2012.

Deborah was born a Down’s syndrome child with a purpose in life. She normally had a smile for everyone and her demeanor made it possible for those who met her to love her. “God has given each of you some special abilities; be sure to use them to help each other, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings” (1 Peter 4:10). She fulfilled her purpose.

Deborah motivated her parents to plea before the J.U. Kevil Foundation to establish a center for the mentally retarded in this area, and her father worked to organize and establish the Graves County Association for the Retarded. He was the first President and her mother was the second President of that organization. Deborah motivated one of her nieces to become a Special Education Teacher. Today she is the Chairman of the Special Education Department at Broome High School in Spartanburg, S.C.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Judge Henry Jack Wilson and Mabel Jones Wilson.

She is survived by her sister, Norma Wilson of Frankfort, Ky.; and brother, Col. (Ret.) Henry Jack Wilson, Jr. (Ann) of Belleville, Ill.; and three nieces, Teresa Ann Johnson Brown (Richard) of Spartanburg, S.C., Christi Wilson Brendlinger (Col. Eric) of Dayton, Ohio and Shari Wilson Cannon of Fairfax, Va.; and one nephew, Charles Martin Johnson, Jr. (Ann) of Lawton, Okla.

While we are saddened by our loss, we rejoice in the Scripture “And they never die again; in respects they are like angels, and are sons of God, for they are raised up in new life from the dead,” (Luke 20:36).

The family wishes to thank all of the people who encountered Deborah and showed her love and affection during her lifetime. A special thanks to the staff at Heritage Manor for the great love and care they extended to her in recent years. We appreciate what you gave to Deborah.

Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Monday, July 16, at Byrn Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at Byrn Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 17 at 11 a.m. with Bro. R.B. Mayes officiating.

Memorials may be made to the J.U. Kevil Memorial Foundation, 1900 South 10th St., Mayfield, KY 42066.