Deborah Shoy neé Reddick was born on July 21, 1955 in Harlem Hospital, NY. She was the daughter of the late great Earlene Atkins-Reddick and Lloyd Lesesne. As a young girl she enjoyed spending summers with her father in Pennsylvania, entertaining friends and dressing up in her new shoes and purses; joys that resurfaced many times throughout her life. She went to a private elementary school in Harlem, then moved to Brooklyn and attended George Gershwin Junior High and Thomas Jefferson High School.


In 1972 she became a lifelong cherished member of the Shoy family, when she married Roberto “Isaiah.” Deborah earned the title of “Ema” meaning mother in Hebrew. She was loved and embraced by everyone as a mother and a friend. The marriage created a union that brought forth three beautiful children. Her children meant the world to her. She raised her children to be strong, loving, intelligent, successful and happy. During an “old timer’s party” in 2000, she became reacquainted with her childhood love, Jerry Muhammad Johnson and they married in 2006.



Deborah briefly studied Social Work at Adelphi University where she honed in on her innate quality to care and nurture others. She also had a love for numbers and served as a seasonal H&R Block Tax Specialist for many years. While teetering through different career options and with the help of her Brother-in-law Ricardo (her right-hand man), she was offered a position with the New York City Department of Finance. She was a dedicated employee and worked with Finance at both Elm Place and 59 Maiden Lane. She possessed a strong work ethic, and loved her co-workers and friends. Finance became synonymous with family and she was at home on the job. She enjoyed dressing up for work and would often flaunt her various bows, pink, blue or purple wigs and carefully curated small fortune of jewelry. At Finance, for the last 8 years, she was a part of the Project Linus lunch group where she and her co-workers would knit blankets for newborn babies. After 32 years of dedicated service, she retired on July 4, 2018.


Throughout her life, Deborah was a kind hearted person and always had youthful energy that radiated to the people around her. When situations would become stressful, she found a way to turn the negative into a positive. She also had faith knowing when to give God credit for her abundance and achievements. She cared for her mother during the last few years of her life. She poured herself into her relationships with people. She would invite everyone to enjoy along with her, her favorite television programs and movies. She often took trips with friends and visited her family. She enjoyed a 15 year commitment to Sister’s Well Read-a book club comprised of some of her closest friends. She never failed to lend a listening ear while seeing the best in people with a perspective of unconditional compassion. She never missed an opportunity to express her admiration and appreciation for the people that surrounded her. She especially loved the young people- a homage to her social work roots. She would send Facebook notes of encouragement to tell young people how proud she was of them and what a great job they were doing during their life journey. Of course, her softest spot was reserved for her beloved grandchildren. They filled her heart beyond measure.


Being the epitome of beauty, love and nurturing she will be remembered through our happiest memories, her favorite songs and the positive impact that she had on all of us. We can learn a lot from the legacy that Deborah has left; we should work hard, work smart, be caring, live life happily everyday and to know your truth with confidence. Today we will honor her and celebrate her life, thank you for joining us in this celebration.


Deborah was preceded in death by both of her parents as well as her brother Clifton Bruce Reddick. She is survived by her spouse Jerry “Muhammad” Johnson, children: Simona T. Shoy (Omar Barnes) of Bronx NY, Sharon S. Hill-LaGuerre (Alex) of Olympia, WA, and Caleb Shoy (Rebecca) of Hampton, GA. Grandchildren: Mic’a S. Russel (24), Teá Magras (20), Jada C. LaGuerre (15), Preston E. Hill (13), Payton D. LaGuerre (12), Kennedy G. Hill (11), Aniyah Shoy (5) and Caleb Shoy Jr (2). Children by marriage: Cecil “Khaeil” Ford, Lamont “Kemuel” Ford, Yael Ford, Reuh Ford (Cherrise), Rachel Ford, Keturah Ford, and Keziah Johnson (Joshua) and their families. Two sisters: Catherine Reddick Bartlett of Charlotte, NC, Sheila Reddick of New Haven CT, and brother Timothy Reddick (Gaye) of Brooklyn, NY. Honorary cousin-sister Sandra Johnson of Monroe, MI, as well as several close cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, 2 God sons (Devonne Woodis & Tobiath Wilson) and a host of very near & dear friends.