Deborah Annette Gray McMillan , known affectionately as Debbie or Deb, age 66 passed away on March 5, 2017 in Lansing, MI. Born Deborah A. Gray at Women's Hospital in Detroit to William W. and Anna L. Clavon Gray on September 21, 1950. Debbie graduated from Pershing High School in 1968 and that Fall, began her studies at Michigan State University (MSU) where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education. In the late 1980s, Debbie earned her Master of Arts in Elementary Education from MSU.

Debbie started her 40-year education career as an early childhood teacher in the Job Corps in Grand Rapids, MI. She began working in the Grand Rapids Public School system. She then worked in the East Lansing Public Schools and the Lansing School District. Debbie was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and was a past president of MSU's Delta Zeta chapter. She was also a member of Jack and Jill of America, president of the Michigan Education Financial Services Board of Directors, Michigan Education Association board member, and was a National Education Association convention delegate. Debbie also served as a teacher representative on many committees in the Lansing School District, including the Instructional Council. Debbie also served as a delegate to the Michigan Democratic Party. Debbie was a fierce advocate for school employee rights and was a successful plaintiff in McMillan vs. the State of Michigan .

Debbie is preceded in death by her beloved mother, Anna and brother, Robert Fowler. She is survived by her loving husband of 43 years, Charles E. McMillan and the lights of her life, sons, Chad Edward Gray McMillan (Alma) of Orange County, CA and Ryan Andrew Gray McMillan and his fiancée, Megan Darling of San Diego, CA; her father, William Gray of Detroit, MI; her Mother-in-love, Mildred McMillan of Lansing, MI; her sisters, Annita (Michael) Washington of San Diego, CA and LaRita Cooper of Detroit, MI; Sister-in-love, Diane McMillan and husband, Robert Hurd of Grand Rapids, MI; Shar-ron Chamberlain of Detroit MI; David (Paula) Chamberlain of Jacksonville, FL; Dwight McMillan of Louisville, KY; and Joseph McMillan, Jr. and a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, sorority sisters and dear friends. She will be sorely missed. She was our everything!

Mrs. Deborah Annette Gray McMillan will lie in repose Friday, March 10, 2017 from 1-7 P.M.  with a family period from 5-7 P.M. at Riley Funeral Home 426 West Saint Joseph Street Lansing, Michigan 48933.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 11, 2017 at 11 A.M. at Trinity A.M.E. Church 3500 W Holmes Rd, Lansing, MI 48911. Family will receive friends 1 hour prior to the service.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com .