Deborah Bontia Armwood

Deborah Bonita (Franklin) Armwood entered this world on August 29, 1949, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Walter and Carrie (Witcher) Franklin. Deborah was the oldest of six children and loved growing up around family, especially her Grandmother, Callie Witcher. Deborah grew up in church and graduated from an all-girls catholic school before moving to Los Angeles, California.

On February 15, 1980, Deborah’s life was forever changed when she married the love of her life, Leo Armwood. Deborah and Leo travelled the world in the service of the United States Marine Corps. The adventures included Okinawa, Japan; Kaneohe, Hawaii; Pampanga, Philippines; Guam; Alaska; and countless duty stations across the United States. Deborah accepted the Lord as her savior and dedicated her life to serving God. She felt the call of God to help church ministries, especially Pastors and Leaders, in whatever capacity they needed. From Singles Ministries and Food Pantries to Church Secretary, Women’s Ministry, and Sunday School Teacher, if the church had a need, Deborah was there to help. Deborah helped countless ministries, including Koolau Baptist Church, Kaneohe, HI; Palm Southern Baptist, Twenty-Nine Palms, CA; Words to Live By Christian Center, Hillside, IL; and Haven of Rest Baptist Church, Milwaukee, WI.

Deborah loved sharing the Word of God wherever she went and showed countless people how to be saved. She spent countless nights praying over her children and grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy than her grandchildren.

Sister Deborah entered the glory of heaven on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

Deborah was preceded in death by Walter Franklin, Sr, Carrie Tarver (Witcher), Carrie Lee Tarver, Larry Franklin, Walter Franklin, Jr, and Monzelle Tarver.

Deborah leaves to mourn her passing: Husband- Leo Armwood of Milwaukee, WI, Brother-Allen D Tarver of Cincinnati, OH, Brother-Fletcher Franklin of Cincinnati, OH, Son-Relondo (Lisa) Holmes of Santa Clara, CA, Daughter-Donyale (Sean) Brewster of Milwaukee, WI, Son-Michael Holmes of Milwaukee, WI, Son-David Holmes of St Louis, MO: Grandchildren, Michael Holmes Jr, Zion Holmes, Gabriel Holmes, Solomon Holmes, Derryn Holmes, Brandon Holmes, Darius Holmes, Malik Holmes and a host of loved ones, great grandchildren and, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 11:00 AM – 12:45 PM. Funeral Service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be held privately at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.

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