Deborah Ruth Bedford (Dee Dee) was born on July 25, 1957, to Caleb and Ruthie Lee Courtney Bedford. She accepted Christ at a very young age and was baptized at Mt.  Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Johnnie J Roberson. She sang in the Tiny Tot and Youth Choirs and later served on the Junior Usher & Nurse Board.  She was active in Sunday School, Baptist Training Union and became a National Baptist Convention of America 1st place winner in Memory Work. Deborah later sang with the Young Adult Choir and for a short time played the organ for the Church.

Deborah attended schools in the Houston Independent School District.  She was one of the first five integrated students at Westbury Senior High School, graduating in 1975, with honors. She was a 1980 graduate of University of Houston – Central Campus, earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology. Deborah later received her Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology with a focus in Christian Counseling, from Liberty University.

In 1982, Deborah was blessed with a lovely daughter, Charnitra Ruth.

In the early 80's, Deborah was employed with Gulf Oil, now Chevron/Texaco. She worked as one of the few females in IT Support as a PC Analyst. Before retiring, she worked as a Computer Software Licensing Manager, both locally and internationally. She worked with the company until her retirement in 2015.

In May 1987, Deborah, along with her daughter and family, joined Lilly Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Curtis W. Wallace.  She participated in the Single's Ministry and Music Ministry. She would at times play the piano for the Church School opening consecration and some General Mission Monday Night Meetings. Deborah continued to serve under the leadership of Rev. Terry K Anderson. She was a faithful member of Deacon Family Ministry Number 7, Mid-Day Bible Study, Women's Ministry, Ruth Circle, Vacation Bible School, and Teacher of her most beloved Women's Church School Class Number 5.  Even though she was no longer physically able to attend the worship services and activities, she faithfully connected virtually and through several streaming platforms.

Dee Dee loved great gospel music and was a big fan of Andrae Crouch and Walter Hawkins.

Deborah was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Collier and Ida Bedford; maternal grandparents, Cornelius and Nannie Courtney, parents, Caleb and Ruthie Lee Bedford, brother, Charles Anthony Bedford and son-in-law, Tarvis Tomi Harris.

Deborah departed this life peacefully on Sunday, February 23rd at 11:11 AM. She leaves to cherish her memories a loving daughter, Charnitra Ruth Bedford Harris, two precious granddaughters, Taryn Marie Grace and Charneecia Belle LaRue Harris; one Sister-in-Law, Jacquelyn Ginger Bedford; two nieces, Charntae Antoinette and Danitra Denee' Bedford; god-sister, Janice Whiting, god-children: Marcus Leonard, Ashley Porter Ibarra (Daniel), Gregory and Taylor Matthews; host of cousins, the sweet sisters of Women's Church School Class #5, her Church family and dear friends.