Deborah Osi-Kofi
Deborah Osei-Kofi (Marchman) was born April 6, 1952 in Cleveland, OH to proud parents Lenton and Doris Marchman (both preceded her in death), and she was the second born of four girls. Deborah was educated at Cleveland Public Schools and graduated from John Adams High School. She worked at St. Luke’s Hospital in medical recording. After high school Deborah married Ralph Craig Jr. and to this union daughter Tanya and son Corey were born. Later Deborah married Edward “Eddie” Osei-Kofi and to this union son Kevin was born.
Deborah and Eddie raised their family on Dove Avenue, it was a house full of activity and fun. The family loved summer cookouts and enjoyed attending the Ohio State Fair where Deborah revealed her hidden talent: she could sing! Deborah loved singing and often made up songs which her children fondly remember to this day. She also loved sewing and cooking – always looking for new recipes to try. Sadly, Deborah’s beloved husband Eddie became ill and succumbed to death. However one of the final things he told her remained impressed on her mind: “If you ever want to know the truth about the Bible talk to Jehovah’s Witnesses.”
Deborah eventually moved with her three children to Oakwood Village and that is where she made contact with the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses – the Kingdom Hall was right around the corner from her home. Deborah began her study of the Bible in the late 80’s and early 90’s; that lead to her baptism on May 16, 1992. Deborah attended the Central Bedford congregation and made many lifelong friendships over the years. She was an active member of the Twinsburg congregation. Even with deteriorating health Deborah did her best to maintain a joyful attitude and take advantage of any opportunity to preach to a nurse or caregiver. Deborah always focused on the Kingdom blessings she would enjoy in the new world to come.
She leaves to cherish her memory daughter Tanya Gillis (Ira), son Corey Craig (Melanie), son Kevin Osei-Kofi; granddaughter Hannah Craig; sisters Patricia Marchman, Belinda Webber, Yvonne Hathorn; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other relatives and friends; and her spiritual brothers and sisters in the faith.