Deborah L. Brice

The Life and Legacy of Deborah “Debbie” Johnson Brice Arriving in the world on a beautiful April day, Deborah Lynn Johnson was born on April 24, 1955, in Chester, PA, to Berman Alphonso and Delia Wynn Johnson. Known affectionately as "Debbie," she was the beloved youngest ’baby’ girl, following her older sisters, Sylvia "Bonnie" and Bernadette. Growing up at 324 Jeffrey Street, a home that embraced togetherness and where the kitchen was always open, Debbie learned the true meaning of family—a lesson she cherished throughout her life. Debbie attended Dewey Mann, Pulaski, and Chester High School, graduating in 1973. She was a member of the Chester High School Marching Band and attended Murphy A.M.E. Church, where she was a member of "The Fellowship Choir." Her love for hymns continued into adulthood when she joined the choir under the late Rev. Alfonso Sherald, contributed to the Finance Committee, and served on the Berman A. Johnson Scholarship and Kitchen Committees. In 1974, Debbie moved to Brooklyn, New York, to attend the Fashion Design Institute. Her passion for fashion started as a little girl, as she was always admired for her beautiful dresses. That led to her meeting Jean-Pierre Brice, or "Peter," in 1976. They married in 1978 and welcomed their son, Jean-Pierre Berman Brice, on December 22, 1979. The couple returned to Chester in 1981 to raise their growing family, and on February 7, 1988, they welcomed their daughter, Arielle-Marie Beréngere Brice, born with a glowing smile. After returning to Chester, Debbie earned an Associate degree in Business Management from Delaware County Community College and assisted her mother in her catering business. Following her husband's death in 1992, Debbie continued to be a pillar of strength and love, providing a welcoming space for all at her home. Continuing the tradition, she was taught early on, she provided safe spaces for many people, old and young alike. She was also a creative entrepreneur, owning Brice Family Jewels and The Affair to Remember Event Planning. Debbie enjoyed traveling; during the holidays you could find Debbie preparing Christmas cookies and sweet potato pies for family and friends, meeting new people, and crafting beautiful jewelry. In her later years she combined her love for people and crafting by working with the seniors at the Chester Senior Center, the bonds created were a blessing to one another. Debbie is preceded in death by her parents, Berman Alphonso and Delia Wynn Johnson; her husband, Jean-Pierre Brice; grandmother, Elizabeth Watson; nieces, Candace ‘Candy’ Felder and Raquel ‘Kelly’ Canada; cousin, JoAnn Canada, and sisters in law, Marie Jose Brice and Marie Helene Danielle Brice. She leaves to carry on her legacy her sisters, Sylvia Yvonne “Bonnie” Rolle and Bernadette Marie J. Givens; her father- in law, Pierre Brice, two brothers-in law, Claude E. and Jacques A. Brice; sisters-in-law, Anne Marie Michelle Brice, Mona-Lissa Benoi, and Marie Florence Mabou who shared a mutual love and admiration for their Brice lineage; her children, Jean-Pierre Berman Brice and Arielle-Marie Brice-Rankine (Kenneil); and her grandchildren, Taylor Monet Juliana Brice, Pilar-Jeanae Marie Brice, Jean-Pierre Brice, Arianna-Bri’nae M. Brice, Alanna-Brielle M. Brice, Zaria-Lynn McBride, Jurnie-Nicole Brice, Janai-Michelle Brice, Ava-Marie K. Rankine, and Jordyn Lela Brice. She cherished her roles as an aunt to her last surviving niece, Kenya Nicole Givens Isaac (Cliff) and Great-Aunt to Ian E. Rollington Sudler, Sylvonne Felder, Ashley Nicole and Kristen Lanette Canada, Chad and Cairo Isaac. Debbie’s profound impact extended beyond her family, to include her best friend of over 50 years, Juliana “Kitty” Williams; cousin and friend, Mary E. “Mitzi” Clark; godbrother and friend, David Brown; road dog, Barbara Blake Townsend; confidante, Gail Guy and many more cousins, classmates, neighbors, church members and friends. Her warmth, wisdom, sense of humor and loving spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives she touched. Cry, Forgive, Learn, Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness. - Steve Maraboli

Deborah L. Brice

April 24, 1955 - May 6, 2024