Susie Debose

Susie Pritchard DeBose was born on June 10, 1945, in Ocala, Florida, to the late Andrew Pritchard Sr. and Annie Clara Pritchard. She received her early education at Howard High School in Ocala and furthered her studies at Hampton Community College, where she earned an Associate of Arts degree.

At a young age, Susie accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and joined New St. John Missionary Baptist Church, where her faith remained strong throughout her life.

On June 20, 1985, she was united in holy matrimony to Ozell DeBose Jr. in Ocala, Florida. Their union was filled with love, faith, and dedication, and was blessed with six children.

Susie had a deep commitment to education and service. She worked for many years as a paraprofessional with the Marion County Public School System, retiring in 2009. In her earlier years, she made history as the first African American bank teller at Barnett Bank, and also held positions as a pharmacy assistant at Folks Drug Store and as a secretary with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. After retirement, she spent her time enjoying gardening, attending church and community meetings, and most importantly, making memories with her beloved grandchildren.

On June 14, 2025, Susie departed this life peacefully at home. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Annie Clara Pritchard; her brothers, Cleveland Pritchard and Andrew Pritchard Jr.; her sister, Anna King; and her son-in-law, Jeffery Gore.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Ozell DeBose Jr.; her children, Michelle West (Jimmy), Fredric L. Wallace, Kenya Wallace, and Riquel DeBose Gore; and her stepdaughters, Charisse DeBose and Tijuana DeBose. She was a proud grandmother to Byron L. Wallace, De’Asia Neasman, Tyler Wallace, Tyson Woodson, Jayden Wallace, Ri’Kiah Gardener, Erionna Gordon, Ilaya Borrego, and Portia Wallace. She is also survived by her sister, Bessie Rawls; her brothers, John Pritchard (Regina) and Ernest Pritchard (Vinnette); and a host of special nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Susie Pritchard DeBose will be remembered for her kind spirit, unwavering faith, quiet strength, and enduring love. Her legacy lives on in all who had the blessing of knowing and loving her.

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