"I'm free, praise the Lord, I'm free.
No longer bound, no more chains holding me.
My soul is resting, and it's a blessing.
Praise the Lord, Hallelujah, I'm free."

"I'm grateful to be 75." These were her words at Thanksgiving Dinner 2025 as we all held hands— words filled with gratitude, reflection, and quiet joy.

On February 5, 2026, our angel answered the Master's call. Though our hearts felt the weight of her departure, heaven gained a wise and radiant soul.

Wise, fun-loving, resilient, classy, and fearless are just a few of the words that describe Debra Sue Caldwell Morgan. The second child of Dr. Worsham N. and the Reverend Mildred Theresa Caldwell, she was a phenomenal daughter, devoted mother, proud grandmother, loving aunt, steadfast sister, and truly a cousin of all cousins — one who kept family bonds strong and meaningful. In all her many roles, she was the heart of our family. She fulfilled her role as matriarch flawlessly, leading with love, wisdom, dignity, and grace.

As a daughter and the second of six children, she cared tenderly for her parents. Taking them on family vacations and accompanying them on many church bus trip, their closeness was undeniable.

As a sister, she was the quintessential big sister — wise, energetic, thoughtful, and dependable. She never missed a birthday, often sharing witty sayings and gentle reminders. She always had a chuckle to share and generously poured out laughter and love to all who were blessed to call her sister.

As an aunt, her love flowed freely and without condition. She supported each niece and nephew wholeheartedly, always encouraging them to pursue their dreams and wishing them nothing but the very best.

As a mother and grandmother, her love reached its fullest expression. She adored her children, and her grandchildren were her light — the very definition of pure joy. She was fiercely proud of them and celebrated their every accomplishment.

To have Debra as a friend was truly a gift to behold. She was a devoted friend to many — one who cared deeply, loved sincerely, and cherished their companionship and joy that friendships brought. If you had Debra as a friend, you held a special blessing in your life. She nurtured those relationships with intention, laughter, prayer, and loyalty.

A graduate of Matoaca High School, she continued her education at Virginia State College (now University). Throughout her professional journey, she held several roles, but one of her most impactful was serving as Regional Coordinator for Good Friends Temporary Agency. In this position, she opened doors for many young African American students and graduates, giving them their first opportunity in corporate America. Through temporary placements and mentorship, she helped launch careers that would span decades, with many going on to retire after full and successful professional lives. She used her platform intentionally, empowering others to realize their creativity, talent, and education.

Later, she became a licensed stylist and business owner, proudly continuing the legacy of her mother's salon, Impressions by Teresa. There, she nurtured the careers of many aspiring stylists and created a welcoming space where her patrons gathered, shared stories, and celebrated beauty.

Debra was unapologetically stylish. Whether she was wearing workout clothes or dressed elegantly for church, she made a statement every time she put an outfit together. She was flawless, polished, at times delightfully extravagant — extraordinarily beautiful in every setting. She did not simply get dressed — she arrived. Style was not just what she wore; it was how she carried herself — with confidence, grace, and presence.

Her service extended faithfully into her church, Greater Faith A.M.E. Zion.  She coordinated numerous events, but the one most fondly remembered by family was the beloved "Football Fellowship." A diehard Dallas Cowboys fan like her father, Debra led this gathering with enthusiasm, laughter, and spirited fun. She enjoyed the fellowship with her church family as she served in several ministries and committees.

Debra was also a true prayer warrior. When she prayed for you, it came from the depths of her heart and from her unwavering love for the Lord. She knew the power of prayer. She believed in it. She witnessed God's goodness firsthand and desired to share that same assurance and strength with anyone in need. Debra did not just say she would pray — she prayed with conviction, faith, and expectation, trusting fully in the power that only the Lord can provide. She was humbled to serve as a steward in her church, faithfully lifting up parishioners and embracing her calling with devotion.

Debra was married to the late Jerome D. Morgan. From this union, they were gifted with two children, Jerome Norris and Teresa Lynne. Together, they raised their children to love the Lord and to recognize the blessing and strength of family. In her later years, when Debra found herself in need of support, she was blessed to have children who cared for her deeply — surrounding her with the same love, devotion, and strength she had poured into them throughout their lives.

In addition to her parents, Debra was preceded in death by her brothers, Worsham N. Caldwell, Jr. (Chuck) and Mark A. Caldwell; and her sister, Emily Lynne Caldwell.

Her memory will be forever cherished by her loving children, Jerome Morgan (Tenika) and Teresa Morgan; her beloved grandchildren, Sydney Lynne and Landon; her surviving brothers, Bradford M. Caldwell (Cheryl) and John S. Caldwell (Robin); sisters-in-law, Leslie J. Caldwell and Cynthia D. Caldwell; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives she touched so profoundly.

We thank God for her life, her love, and her legacy.

Praise the Lord — she is free.

Services will be held 11:00 A.M., Friday, March 6, 2026, at Greater Faith A.M.E Zion Church, 1301 Youngs Road, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Randy V. Kiah, Pastor, eulogist. The interment will be held 2:00 P.M. at Bermuda Memorial Park.

In lieu of floral arrangements the family request that monetary donations be made to J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., in memory of Debra Sue Caldwell Morgan.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/5774150?fl=so&fe=fs