Debra Ann Linares

Debra Linares was born Debra Ann Harper on September 29, 1960 to Lyman E. Harper, Sr. and Adell (Carmen) Harper in Baltimore, MD. Debra or Debbie was one of six siblings that included five girls and one boy. She was affectionately known as the baby or baby sis of the family. Her close bond with her siblings was unbreakable, and only grew stronger into their adulthood. Debbie’s siblings were her best friends and they spent hours every day talking to each other; and every moment loving each other. Affectionately known as the wolf pack by her brother in-law, from Sunday dinners; holidays; traveling with their children and their families; and running errands – Debbie and her siblings were inseparable. Educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and graduating from Forest Park High School, Debra also attended Baltimore City Community College and Towson University. As an adult, Debbie explored various career avenue, but she was adept at numbers. Accounting became her chosen profession, working for well-known commercial property companies that include the Rouse Company, Knott Realty, and Kimco Realty. In every place she worked, Debbie formed strong bonds with co-workers – many of whom became her lifelong friends. In January 2000, Debbie attained her Maryland real estate license. She, with her sister G. Louise Green, formed Sisters Two Inc. As a realtor, Debbie was known for going the extra mile to get her clients their dream homes. However, Debbie’s greatest accomplishment was being mother to Bolivar Linares, Jr. Born in 1986, Bolivar (BJ) was Debbie’s only child from her marriage with Bolivar Linares, Sr. Debbie and BJ shared a strong bond. Connecting over their various shared interests in faith and the Bible, science and space, and music and television; their bond continue to deepen as BJ became older and started family his own. Debbie was also a grandmother to five grandchildren who described her as kind, warm, and affectionate – quick to give kisses and hugs, and words of praise to her grandchildren. An instinctive nurturer, Debbie’s loving nature extended beyond her relationship with her son, but to her nephews and nieces. To her nephews and nieces, Debbie played a mother-figure role, friend, protector, and a well of compassion and kindness. Debbie was the heart of her family. Her love for her family knew no limits or bounds. Among her family and friends, Debbie was described as generous to fault with a heart of gold. She would literally give you the shirt off her back. Debbie was known for providing encouragement and guidance to those she loved and knew. She possessed a deep and abiding faith in the Lord, and quick to share a Bible verse to support guidance and advice. Debbie was always authentically herself, and her smile and laugh filled any room she entered. On May 19, God called his faithful servant home after battling decades of chronic illness. Debbie’s reward for fighting the good fight was well-earned rest in the Kingdom of Heaven. She loved Spring because everything blooms and renewed. It only seems poetic that she’d leave us in Spring to become something new, reborn. Debbie leaves just not mourn but to celebrate her life, her son Bolivar and his wife Risa, grandchildren: Tiatiana, Reign, Dylan, Royal, and Regal, her siblings: Maybeline (Van) Porter, G. Louise (John) Green, LaShirlle Harper, Phyllis Toles, and Lyman E Harper, Jr., and her nephews and nieces: Darric Boyd, Katrena (Larry) Cole, Michell Morton, Kenyetta (Leroy) Lewis, Yvonne Harper, and Jamal Harper. There are a host of great-nephews and nieces, cousins, and friends that will also celebrate Debra’s life.

Tributes

Debra Ann Linares

September 29, 1960 - May 19, 2021