Deborha W. Dennison

Deborha W. (Williams) Dennison, 74, of Worcester, passed away in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her loving family on Monday, June 10, 2024. She is now reunited with her husband, Raymond W. Dennison, who predeceased her in April 2023.

Deborha is survived by five children, Raymond E. Dennison and his wife Tracy, Michele R. Vazquez and her husband Felix of Oxford, Christi Berry, and Michael Korsac, all of Worcester, and Tracey Miller of Shrewsbury; a sister, Annette F. Williams of Worcester; ten grandchildren, Juliahnys Vazquez, Ghionni Dennison, Jorhi Campbell, Sr. and his longtime girlfriend Breanna Neagle , Ghalio Vazquez, Jhedan Dennison and his wife Jonell Dennison, Tevontae Mendes-Dennison, Ahmylle Mendes-Dennison, Ahmarhiyana Dennison, Domonic Kimball, and Thomas Rassias, Jr.; five great grandchildren, Jorhi Campbell, Jr., Jaydahelyse Campbell, Javarah Dennison, Jahdonis Dennison, and Bryce Rassias; several cousins, many nieces and nephews. Deborha and Ray opened their home and their natural family to hundreds of children that they fostered over the years, many of whom remain close. She was predeceased by a grandson, Travis Monroe and by a brother, Mark R. Williams. Deborha was born in Tewksbury, daughter of Wiland Williams. 

Deborha graduated from Commerce High School in Worcester and later earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education from UMass, a Master’s degree in Education from Cambridge College, and a Doctoral degree from UMass. She was a teacher for the Worcester School Department, serving the City of Worcester and its children for over forty years. She was listed in the “Who’s Who’s of Educators”.

She was a member of Belmont AME Zion Church, and proudly sang in the choir. She wore many hats in her lifetime, but none was more important than that of wife and mother; mother not only to her children, but to hundreds of foster children she cared for over the years. 

She ran the youth bowling league at Auburn Ten Pin for many years, where she was a member of the Young American Bowling Alliance. which soon led to the creation of the “Inspiration League”, a league geared to youth with physical and other disabilities. She was instrumental in the “walk out” known as “Black Monday”, a demonstration to get administration to recognize equal pay and benefits for black teachers. She loved to cheer for the Red Sox and enjoyed “The Wonder of It All”. 

Calling Hours will be on Wednesday, June 19, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester. Her Funeral Service will be on Thursday, June 20, in the funeral home with Calling Hour from 10 a.m. until the Funeral Service begins at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to You Inc., 81 Plantation Street Worcester, MA 01604.