On Thursday, November 24th, 1955, in the quaint village of Fox Hill in New Providence, Bahamas, Deacon Lincoln Leroy Cox and Mrs. Frances Virginia Cox welcomed their healthy, beautiful baby girl, Debra, into the world. From a young age, Debra espoused an energetic and confident spirit, a personality trait she took with her into adulthood and through her life.

As the only child of Deacon and Mrs. Cox, Debra was showered with the love of her parents throughout her life. This early foundation of love cultivated her deep sense of care for others, leading her to choose a life of helping those in need. Her parents' love for their faith also transferred to Debra, who was a lifelong Christian.

Family was an important pillar of Debra's life. She truly believed that family was all we had and should stick together. During her youth, she bonded closely with her cousins, whom she regarded as sisters and brothers. Together, she and her cousins formed a singing group called RAMOCO, where each year they would sing together at "A Night of Christmas Music." Every December 26th, France's birthday, Debra would throw a celebration with family members in attendance.

Debra also had a close relationship with her grandmother, Evelyn "Mar" Moss, who bonded with her and instilled in her a lifelong love for cooking.

Debra's love for education began at Sandilands Primary School in New Providence, where her teachers fostered her love for reading and knowledge. She eventually matriculated to Jordan Prince William High School, where upon graduating, she was accepted into and attended Mankato State University. At the university, her love for people and God steered her into disciplines that emphasized helping people who most needed it. She graduated with her Masters in Social Work and Counseling in 1981.

Upon returning to the Bahamas after the completion of her studies, she began her career working for the Bahamian Government. She held many positions in her life of public service, beginning as a counselor at Sandilands Rehabilitation Center, then as a Chief Welfare Officer at the Department of Social Services, both in Nassau.

In 1990, she was appointed by the government as the first women in the nation to be chosen to serve the country as Family Island Commissioner. From 1990 to 1996, she served as Family Island Commissioner in North Eleuthera and then Grand Bahama with purview over West End and Bimini, Eight Mile Rock, Freeport, and East End. After her tenure as commissioner, she returned to working as Chief Welfare Officer, this time in Freeport, Grand Bahama. During this time, she was responsible for implementing numerous programs to assist the Grand Bahama community. A passion of hers was specifically the "Back of Town" community that housed displaced kids and bereaved children.

After a while, Debra was appointed as Chief of the Rehabilitative Welfare Services in Grand Bahama, where she remained for 5 years before returning to the Department of Social Services. In 2014, she was reappointed as Family Island Commissioner (Now called Family Island Administrator) responsible for East Grand Bahama, then Mayaguana and finally Freeport. She then retired in 2018 after over 36 years in the civil service, leaving behind a distinguished and lasting legacy. She was recognized for her contributions to the country in 2022, being bestowed the Bahamas Government's Distinguished Service Medal.

In 1993, during her first tenure as Commissioner in Freeport, she met a young unassuming educator, guidance counselor, and pastor by the name of Willard Strachan at a thanksgiving dinner. The young pair quickly hit it off and married shortly after. This union produced a loving marriage that lasted over 30 years. In 1995, they welcomed a son named Samuel Cox-Strachan and shortly thereafter in 2002, a daughter named Wil-leah Cox-Strachan. In 2018, she welcomed her first grandchild, Elijah Cox-Strachan. Her children and family were among the things most precious to her in this world.

Due to her work as well as being the first lady of her husband's congregation, Debra touched numerous lives and, as such, is considered by many in the community to be a mother figure. In 2019, her health began to deteriorate due to complications with a lifelong battle with hypertension. During this time, her beloved husband and children tenderly cared for her until she was called to be with her heavenly father on Friday, January 5th, 2024. She will be greatly missed by her loved ones and all the lives she's touched over the years, as well as the community she served.

The brightness of her existence will eternally shine in the hearts of all who hold her dear:

Her beloved husband of over 30 years, Pastor Willard Strachan; treasured children, Samuel Cox-Strachan and Wil-leah Cox-Strachan; Carla Strachan-Duncan and son-in-law Ricky Duncan, as well as adored Grandchildren Elijah Cox-Strachan, Caleb Nottage, and Quinton Moxey.

Prized Cousins:

Frank "Pancho" Rahming, Daniel Rahming, Pastor Vernon Collie, Richard Martins, Deacon Derrell Moss, Deacon Juan Moss, Pastor Kevin Moss, Andrew, Kirk, Richard, Denerio, and Edward Moss. Bishop Erma Rahming, Pastor Jacqueline Armbrister, Minister Stephanie Rahming-Taylor, Brenda, Jackie, and Carla Cox. Minister Joan Neely, Minister Tracey Rahming, Pauline Beneby, Minister Christine Collie, Francita Deveaux, Cheryl Martins, Elder Tonya Wilson, Laurestine, Marcia, and Richelle Moss.

Cherished Brothers and Sister-In-Laws:

Godfrey and Rev. Sheila Strachan, Rev. Dr. Wilton and Marion Strachan, Minister Japheth and Lilian Strachan, Edsel and Attorney Arlene Strachan, Pastor Allan and Ruby Strachan, Lincoln and Heather Strachan, Deacon Othland and Dr. Cheryl Strachan, Eric and Idell Strachan. Rev. Ismae Davis, Minister Marva Knowles, Zilpha & Rev. Randy Musgrove, Norma and Marvin Major.

Dearest Nieces and Nephews:

Berkeley & Shevamae Morley, Danny Morley, Melonie Morley, Sharlene Brown, Magnolia Morley, Dr. Karen and Chris Mc-Cowan, Bishop Terrance and Minister Shonnie Strachan, Deaconess Denise and Lynden Ferguson, Kevin Strachan, Wayne and Ngaire Strachan, Darnell and Jeremey Russell, Assistant Commissioner of Police Kendal and Asaneth Strachan, Michelle Brown, Lisa Strachan, Keith and Deidre Strachan, Deacon Shunda Strachan, Evangelist Patricia and Rev. William Weeks, Dr. Sean and Shantey Strachan, Simeon and Philliper Strachan, Dr. Katjia Strachan, Khalil and Dania Strachan, Ray and Adrian Davis, Dr. Raquel and Bernard Davis-Hall, Cohen Davis, Rev. Dr. Shenique Davis, Dr. Acacia Strachan, Kyle Strachan, Minister Erica and Douglass, Russell, Marvette Knowles, Minister Dion and Kerlisha Knowles, Destiny Musgrove, Twyla and Nehemiah Johnson, Astaire and Lisa Strachan, Dr. Angel Strachan, Erica Strachan, Edmond Strachan, Davardo Strachan, Darcelle Strachan, Anya Cunningham and Dr. Alexis Cunningham.

Darling Friends:

Dr. Pamula Mills, Rev. Valurine Bain-Pinder, Pastor Leonard and Juanita Pinder, Pastor Benjamin Ferguson, Lillian Quant-Forbes, Gaynel Gaiter, Dionne Lewis, Archie and Leanna Ferguson, Shavon Curry, Florence Hinzey and Family, Betty and Earl Taylor, Vanda Capron, Barb Rahming and family, Cora Green, Norwood and Agnes Davis, Pastor Ricardo Roberts and Family, Nathaniel and Estamae Johnson, Pastor Elvis Burrows and family, Pastor Peter and Joycelyn Pinder, Clarence Riley and Family, Cheryl Knights and Family, Earl Neely and Family, Ettamae Jones and Family.

And a host of other relatives and friends, including:

Elder Miriam Roker, Agnes Edgecombe, Deacon Fred Ramsey and Family. Sister Olive Mackey, Ferguson Family, Brown Family, Sister Celeste Lockhart and Family, Anne Woodside and Family, Shirley Armbrister and Family, Reverend Warren Anderson and the Mt. Carey Union Baptist Church Family, The Rahming Family (Jamelle), The Robinson Family, Friends and Coworkers at The Department of Social Services, The Department of Rehabilitative Welfare Services, The Department of Local Government, The Grand Bahama Children's Home.

The family extends a heartfelt apology for any unintentionally omitted names.

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