Debbie Terri Wilmore

Debbie Terri Wilmore, age 45, of Utica, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, July 28, 2012 after more than 20 years of resilience to a difficult illness. Debbie was born on February 28, 1967 in Brooklyn, NY and relocated to Utica as a teenager. She was the daughter of Sara (Gonzalez) Wilmore and the late Lonnie Wilmore. She also knew the love and support of her step-father, Ramon M. Colon. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School and also attended Herkimer County Community College where she earned an Associates Degree in Travel & Tourism. A hard working and tenacious woman, Debbie worked as a Reservations Agent for US Air. She loved her job and was always gentle and graceful when interacting with people. She was pretty, popular, and stylish, and her life teemed with activity. She cared for her little brother and sister, forever protecting and pampering them. She always remained hopeful which helped her to lead a full and productive life; she met the challenges that came from her illness in stride. She had a God-given zest for life and loved being around people. She enjoyed her trips to the mall and the movies. In her younger years, she was moved by the music of her generation, the pop and soft rock of the 80’s. Brave and courageous, she was blessed with a strong inner strength and a profound Christian faith. It was her deep faith in God that guided her through life. She was an inspiration to all who knew her. Debbie is survived by her mother, Sara Wilmore and her step-father, Ramon Colon; her sister and brother-in-law, Rachel and Terence Palmer of Georgia; her brother, Lonnie Thomas Wilmore, Jr.; nephew Christian, niece Terri; step-sisters Nancy Berrios of PA, Lillian Rodriguez, and Delilah Reynolds both of FL; step-brothers Jimmy Colon of PA, Iran Colon of FL, and Ramon Colon of Utica; aunts Elena Roman of Utica, Andrea and Alfonso Ortiz of Puerto Rico, Elizabeth Santiago, and Eloida and Angelo Guzman all of Utica; numerous cousins with special mention of Elizabeth Santiago, Brenda Santiago, David Guzman and Danny Guzman; and the many friends that Debbie made over the years, especially Maritza Flemming, and Eddie Camacho. She was predeceased by her uncles, Paulino Santiago, and Pablo Davila; and her cousin, Gilbert Guzman. The family sends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Paula Vecchio and her staff for the tender loving care they always provided to Debbie. Special thanks is also offered to Sherri Morinitti and Sandy Salantino for the comfort and compassion they gave to Debbie throughout the years. Visitation will be held Tuesday (today, July 31st), from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness in lieu of flowers may make a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Debbie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Tuesday evening at 7:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Pastor Judy Pucillo of the Redeemer Church officiating the ceremony. Interment will take place graveside at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Debbie Terri Wilmore

February 28, 1967 - July 28, 2012