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Deborah Farrow Obituary

Farrow, Deborah

We celebrate the life and love of the exciting and highly energetic Deborah Farrow. She passed away suddenly and peacefully Friday, January 22, 2021 from natural causes.

Deborah was a fiercely devoted wife to Marsellow for 50 years. She was unselfishly giving to her daughter Chaka and her son Marc. And extremely proud and protective of her grandsons Asheton and Alexander.

As an educator for over 50 years, she was truly dedicated to children and was

always touching the lives in some way or another through teaching or just her giving nature.

No public memorial is planned at this time. Her family asks any gifts be directed to the Women's Golf Club of Chicago.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jan. 25, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Farrow

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Bonnie Burns

January 19, 2023

Deborah was a wonderful tutor and partner at AARP. I could not have asked for anyone who was better at telling a story and making her students smile. Bonnie Burns

Gloria Tolbert

January 19, 2022

I'll never forget how Deborah Darrow helped me tutor kids at Joplin Elementary. She was a great teacher & a Beautiful soul. Miss you Ms Farrow

Dora Weaver

February 18, 2021

Came across this photo of Deborah in action, during an Experience Corp Training Session.

Stephanie Browne

February 17, 2021

Remembering Deborah's commitment ,wit, and fun loving spirit as an AARP Experience Corp literacy trainer and coach. She will certainly be missed. So sorry the pandemic prevented me from being able to honor her homegoing.

Cheryl Henry

February 6, 2021

I only knew Deborah as a literary coach for a few months before the pandemic.. She was helpful and full of energy. May God continue to comfort you during this time.

D Watkins

February 3, 2021

My condolences to the family of Dr. Farrow. Dr. Farrow was an inspiration. Her passion for teaching was obvious. You experienced excellence when in her presence in the classroom.

Erika Birdie

February 1, 2021

My name is Erika Birdie. I recently had the pleasure of meeting Deb as her golf instructor. Her bright smile and great since of humor is what I remember most. She really enjoyed the game of golf and I was honored to know her for the time that we spent golfing. God Bless her spirit. Swing Easy Deb!
Birdie

Sharon Jones

January 31, 2021

We will definitely miss Deborah, a most personable, smart and humorous friend. To the family, she spoke of you often and loved you very much. Be at peace forever. Sharon Jones, CSU '69, Chicago Women's Golf Club

Joann Relf

January 27, 2021

My Condolences to the Family. I met Deborah at EC where she always added so much during our tutoring sessions.

Joseph & Deborah Smith

January 27, 2021

So sorry to hear of Deborah’s passing. It was a pleasure working with her years back as we were on the staff of Jones HS together. You, Marsellow, are well remembered for our roles in "The Crucible" at Wendell Phillips HS. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Ms. Eva Howell-Greene

January 27, 2021

Condolences to the Farrow family. May the love of friends and family keep you at this time.

DELANO FLOWERS

January 26, 2021

Marsellow and I were classmate at Wendell Phillips and we would like to express our dearest sympathy to the entire Farrow family.

Sincerely,
Valerie & Delano Flowers

Abiathar Carroll

January 26, 2021

May the peace of God compass over the family in your loss.

Jacqueline Martin

January 26, 2021

Deborah will be TRULY missed. I send my sympathy to the family

Debra Smith

January 26, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always. Her guidance and care in the training with the AARP volunteers will be missed. She was always fun and inviting to all.

Charles Grantham

January 26, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Marilene Walters

January 26, 2021

Deborah’s knowledge, guidance, wisdom and humor will be sorely missed. My thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the Farrow family.

Marilene Walters
Coworker

Audrey Harris

January 26, 2021

I am so deeply touched and remorseful to learn we have lost such a passionate and resourceful educator! So grateful our paths crossed, and I offer heartfelt sympathy to her family! EC Tutor

Sharon Styles

January 26, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Willie Earlie Jr.

January 26, 2021

Deborah (Mrs. Farrow) as Frank affectionately called her was the perfect wife for Frank (Mr. Farrow) for over 50 years. They were the Yin and the Yang. She will be missed by everyone, but especially by Frank and her immediately family. Job well done. Rest In Peace Mrs. Farrow.

Vida C. Brown

January 26, 2021

Deborah was a dedicated and passionate Literacy Coach for Experience Corps. I am grateful and indebted to her for the expertise that she shared with me over 7 years as a team leader. She will be missed. My sincere condolences to her family as well as the EC staff. Vida C. Brown

Annie F. Moore

January 26, 2021

Condolences and Prayers to the family of Deborah Farrow. May your precious memories sustain you at thus time of your loss.

Gregory Harris

January 26, 2021

Wow where do I start. I meet Mr & Mrs Farrow at Toyota On Western over 10 years ago and they have treated me like family. Mrs Farrow embrace me like family and always gave me great advice and wisdom knowledge and understanding. I will miss you dear Friend. I will check on Mr farrow and Chaka and do my part in life.

Bonnie Burns

January 26, 2021

Deborah and I were partners and trainers for AARP Experience Corps for the last five years. We trained volunteers to be reading tutors. She was dynamite in front of a crowd. There was always a story to tell and down to earth advice to be given. She brought all her educational experience and common sense to the training and worked hard in every aspect of planning and delivery. I will miss her and fierce sense of humor.

Printrina Ferguson

January 26, 2021

Her daughter Chaka and I are great friends. She was another “mama” to to myself and my kids. She always had great advice and lots of love. I am missing her already. Thanks ma for all you did. We love you.

Curtis and Lucy Young

January 25, 2021

Our thoughts prayers and condolences to the Farrow family

Billye Blue

January 25, 2021

My sincere condolences to the family of my beloved Golf Sister, Deborah Farrow. Deborah and I became members of the Chicago Women's Golf Club at the same time. Deborah was truly "One of a kind" and was so committed to the Club. She was feisty, funny, loveable and the type of person that commanded your attention in an unassuming way. Her wit will truly be missed. May God shower you with His peace in the midst of this difficult time.

Rebekah Horton

January 25, 2021

My deepest condolences. May the God of all comfort keep you during this time. May He pour out upon the family what they need each day during this time. Mrs. Farrow was such a beautiful person, I am blessed to have know her.

Jeanette Battle

January 25, 2021

The c/o "73 Pom Pom Squad of South Shore H.S. extends our sincere condolences to the family of Mrs. Deborah Farrow. She held down her job and volunteered to instruct our squad at games and dance performances at other highschools. We are grateful for her contribution in developing us into young productive adults. She was truly an integral part of our village. It was great seeing her at the South Shore All Class Festival in 2019. It's the last time many of us saw her. We will hold tight to that fond memory. Peace be with you all at this challenging time. RIParadise Mrs. Farrow

Bernard Coachman

January 25, 2021

Deborah, you will be surely missed. Your vivacious and welcoming personality was so appreciated. Your sense of humor was infectious. I am sure that you have been spirited through the pearly gates. It has been a privilege for me to be in your presence and drink from the fountain of your experience. Your kind words and encouragement were always welcome and often sorely needed. May you rest in power.

Ciji Henderson

January 25, 2021

To my Sagittarius Sister,
Thank you. Thank you for taking every single call, every piece of advice, wisdom, and encouragement you provided. Thank you for every laugh, every shared cursing session :), and your support...regardless. Golf brought us together, and I could not be more grateful. To the family, I send you love, light, and strength. Deborah you will be sorely missed.

Barbara Slater

January 25, 2021

"I loved Debbie like a Daughter
We met Her first year in High school at Parker. Debbie was my Physical Education Assistant .She was as organized then as she was throughout the years we kept in touch.
I send my love to the family,for I know their Hearts are broken as mine.
My Prayers go out to the Family and Siblings and I will stay in touch ."

Walter Reid

January 25, 2021

Deborah...your encouraging words will be missed. May God's love blanket your family during this most difficult time.

Robin C Jones

January 25, 2021

The Jones family would like to give out Deepest Sympathy to the family we are sending prayers and comforting Hugs. Mrs Deborah was very energetic she would make you feel a burst of energy when she came around. You had no choice but too smile when you were in her presence. You will truly be missed.

Jacquelyn Richmond

January 25, 2021

I can truly say that I loved Deborah. There are not a lot of words to say that have not been said. Her devotion to children was contagious I wanted to glean from all she had to give. When we went to trainings, I made sure that I attended one of her classes weather I needed the class or not, she was so compassionate, funny and serious about learning how to tutor children. Tears came to my eyes when I read about her transition. When I look at her picture, I hear her voice. She will be sorely missed. Condolences to her family, my prayers are with you.

EVELYN WATSON

January 25, 2021

Deborah was my reading coach the last year that we were able to tutor in person. Whenever we had training I always went to her sessions. She was able to make sense out of the training materials and kept it real. I will truly miss her. May GOD give you strength and bring you comfort during this time of sorrow.

Jeanette Fults

January 25, 2021

Deborah was funny, always laughing or making you laugh. I will miss her.

Dora Weaver

January 25, 2021

Oh what a joyful party going on in the Heavenly Realm today, Deborah Farrow has Joined the party... I will never forget Deborah’s great teachable moments as one of Experience Corps Reading and training Coaches. Our team from Learn will miss you.

Debra Williams

January 25, 2021

Mrs Farrow was my high school teacher She was a great teacher with a warm caring spirit .My condolences to her family,may God keep you lifted up

Jean Jamison

January 25, 2021

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Deborah McKissic

January 25, 2021

Lifting the Farrow family in prayer as they Celebrate the Life, Love and Legacy of their Beloved Deborah - Wife, Mother and Grandmother. Her infectious energy and phenomenal spirit will be truly missed.

Denise Brown

January 25, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Linda Shanks

January 25, 2021

May all of Gods blessings be with the family of Deborah Paul Farrow during this time of sorrow.

A great Teacher, Wife, Mother and Friend. She will truly be missed by all. Hold on to the good times you had with her throughout the years. I know God will see you through. I will keep you all in my prayers. God Bless!

Beverly Williams

January 25, 2021

Whenever I saw Deborah I begin to laugh because I was not sure what she was gonna say.
She was a beautiful person and a devoted educator.
My prayers and condolences to her family and friends.

January 25, 2021

Whenever I saw Deborah I quickly began smiling and laughing because I was not sure what she was going to say to make me laugh
What a shock she was a great person a true educator my condolences and prayers to her family.
Beverly Williams
Friend

Beverly Williams

January 25, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Mr& Mrs Lonnie S Jones Sr Family

January 25, 2021

The Jones family would like to extend our deepest sympathy to the family. I have been knowing Mrs Deborah for a while. Highly energetic I absolutely agree with that. We are neighbors to Ms Chaka. A big smile and a great since of Humor. A very strong beautiful black woman. You will truly be missed by us. Our prayers are with the family.

Barbara Anderson

January 25, 2021

Thanks for your guidance and support. You always had some inspiring and insightful strategies to share. You will be missed.

Rhonda Orange-Coenic

January 25, 2021

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Rhonda OrangeCoenic
Perkins Bass Elementary School

Tiffany Ruffin

January 25, 2021

I thank God for your life and the time we had with you Rest easy Auntie Deb you are and will always be loved and remembered

Eileen Sutton

January 25, 2021

What a loss. There are no words to describe Deborah except dynamic, vibrant, and all around no nonsense person. A true Educator who will really be missed.

Frieda J Holley

January 25, 2021

Deborah was a big supporter of Frieda's Place. Her kindness, generosity, smile, and thoughtfulness will be missed throughout Chicago. To her Family I am sending virtual hugs and lots of prayers.

Lagonia Hayes

January 25, 2021

I am Sadden by this news of my AARP Partner/Teacher in the Chicago Public Schools for the Training she so freely shared with us through the Literacy Program with Chicago Chapter of AARP Experience CORPS, She will be truly Missed

Marlo Passmore

January 25, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. I will love you and miss you always. Love Marlo P.

Gloria Tolbert

January 25, 2021

I would like to extend my DEEPEST SYMPATHY to Mrs Deborah Farrow's family. I enjoyed working with Ms Farrow and learning from her years of experience. As a new Joplin School Tutor, Deborah taught me how to tutor children & provided much advice on interacting with First Graders. I'll cherish lessons learned. God Bless Her and May she Rest In Peace. Gloria Tolbert

Cheryl Whitmore

January 25, 2021

Deborah was a wonderful friend. Being around her you knew you were in for lots of laughs. I will miss her so much. She was a mentor to me sharing much wisdom.

AARP Experience Corps

January 25, 2021

Deborah joined Experience Corps Chicago at its inception as a literacy tutor at Bass Elementary. The entire Bass team, both tutors and CPS personnel, loved her for her dedication and passion. Deborah was gracious in lending her 50+ years of education experience to the program in a higher capacity as a literacy coach and as one of our consultants to develop our program training curriculum. She worked closely with the Chicago team, the entire EC volunteer team, and with our training team in the DC headquarters. We are eternally grateful for her 7 years of service to AARP Foundation.

Deborah was a vibrant, feisty, hilarious woman who had passion for education and the children we serve. She owned any room that she walked into. She was a straight shooter with a sharp sense of humor. She cared for our students just the same as her own grandsons. To us, she was not just a colleague, but a friend. We will sorely miss her.

Sincerely,
AARP Foundation Experience Corps

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