Deborah Jean Brown Benjamin

Cohoes- Deborah Jean Brown Benjamin, 68, passed away Friday, July 3, 2020 with her loving family by her side. Deborah was born in Brooklyn, NY and was the daughter of the late Sam Brown and Sarah Washington. Deborah was the devoted wife to Gary Benjamin for 49 years.

Debbie worked as a cook for the majority of her life. Debbie loved feeding people; one of the many ways she expressed her love. It gave her joy to see people smile after eating a plate of her food. Debbie was the life of every party, and would throw a party for any occasion, even with her one dance move. Debbie loved keeping people laughing; always the family jokester. Debbie would tell you in a minute that she wasn't a "punk," trying to be tough, but in reality, Debbie had a huge heart of gold that came with an abundance of hugs to anyone in need.

Debbie is survived by her children, Yavette, Robert and Afranik; grandchildren, Daquon, Janike, Kayla, Dominique, Timethia, Deondre, Davie, Alexandria, Jada and Mylia; great grandchildren, Hope, Honor and Shawki, Jr.; her sisters, Patricia, Edna, Annette, Clair, Inez and Toya; Aunts, Mary Lee and Joyce and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, and her best friend, Lisa.

Debbie is predeceased by adoptive parents, Carol Spiegel and Alfred Greene; her sisters, Vivian Brown and Tonia Jones; sister-in-law, Doris Benjamin and great grandchild, Harmony Benjamin.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Rd., Watervliet, on Monday, July 13, 2020 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 2:00 pm . Gathering size, within our chapels will be based on the most current NYS occupancy requirements. Masks are required, and social distancing is to be observed inside and outside of our chapels.