Deborah J. Williams, a longtime Howard County public school speech pathologist, died June 14 of heart failure at Johns Hopkins Hospital. The Columbia resident was 52.
Deborah June Lockwood was born in Baltimore and raised on Appleton Street in West Baltimore. She was the daughter of Dr. William V. Lockwood, an educator who had been vice president of Baltimore City Community College, and Eva F. Lockwood, an educator.
She was a 1970 graduate of Northwestern High School and earned a bachelor's degree in speech and audio pathology with honors in 1974 from Hampton University.
In 1978, she earned a master's degree in speech audio pathology from Towson University.
She began her teaching career in the 1970s in Norfolk, Va., and in 1983, went to work for Howard County public schools.
"She was the first African-American speech pathologist hired by the system," said her sister, Laverne B. Gaither of Baltimore. "She enjoyed high accolades and professional success throughout her 30-year tenure as a special educator."
Mrs. Williams, who spent most of her career at Atholton High School, retired this year on a medical disability.
Mrs. Williams enjoyed writing poetry, some of which was published in Ebony, Jet and Essence magazines, and reading.
A former Pauline Brooks model, Mrs. Williams, who was known as a stylish dresser, produced several fashion shows at Atholton High School, family members said.
She was a longtime active member of Douglas Memorial Church, where services were held Monday.
Also surviving are her husband of 15 years, Matthew Williams; a son, Charles I. Stokes III of Columbia; a stepdaughter, Elana M. Williams of Columbia; her mother, Eva F. Lockwood of Baltimore; and many nieces and nephews.