Obituary of Debra Pinkston

Our Beloved Mother, Daughter, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend, Debra Lucas Pinkston’s Sunset was on Friday November 15, 2019 in Peekskill, NY. Her Sunrise was on September 11, 1950 in Brooklyn, NY to Alexander Lucas Sr. and Doris Jordan Lucas.

Debra attended elementary & middle school in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn. She left a legacy of academic excellence. She later qualified for and attended the prestigious Music and Art High School. She played the bassoon. She also played the clarinet. She graduated with distinct recognition in June of 1968. She received a scholarship from the school’s Parent organization for college. Debra attended Lincoln University, a HBCU located in Pennsylvania in September of 1968. She was a Queen in the Alpha Kappa Alpha Court. She also went on a Voter Registration campaign with SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee) in January 1969, in Mississippi. She completed her baccalaureate degree at Hunter College in NYC.

Debra married Andre Pinkston in the summer of 1969. This union produced 2 kids, Dara Monifa Pinkston-Scott and Kamati Andre Pinkston. She had an ever abiding, devoted Love for her children and grandchildren. She proved to be a confidante and friend to her children as they grew into adulthood. This shared loved was one of her shining jewels.

Debra was an avid Lover of the Arts particularly Music (Jazz) and Visual Arts. She became a formidable, knowledgeable art collector and shared her insights about the visual arts with ALL who would listen. Debra was also a seeker of knowledge and truth, and because of this was an avid reader and collector of books. This also fueled her imagination and lead to a lifelong dream to visit the Motherland, as she traveled to Senegal and Gambia, Africa.

Debra embodied Human Justice. All who knew her well understood her vision for human equity. She demonstrated her passion for human equity by exemplifying respect for ALL persons she encountered. She especially loved children and her family. She is adored by family and friends.

Debra’s spirit of giving and gratitude was on display ALL of the time. She always acknowledged celebratory dates that were special to family and friends. The principles of UNITY resonated with her spirit. She practiced her faith with Gratitude and Grace.

Debra had a successful career with the New York State Health Department. She retired in 2014 after 25 years of service. Debra’s legacy of knowledge, intelligence, inquisitiveness and mostly LOVE will live on in her children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family and friends.

Debra was a native Brooklynite who personified the borough’s unique grassroots culture and ‘can do’ attitude by participating in local food co-ops, political initiatives and cultural gatherings, especially ones that highlighted the African Diaspora. She had an abiding Love for her unique heritage.

She is survived by her Mother, Doris Lucas; her children, Dara Monifa Pinkston-Scott, Kamati Andre Pinkston; grandchildren, Dr. Tasia Monique Pinkston-Altreche,  Hudson Scott; Son in Law, Ricardo Scott; siblings, Alexis Blair, Alexander ‘Happy’ Lucas jr., Michael Lucas, Timothy Lucas, Michele ‘Hollie’ Johnson, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of friends especially long time friend Clarence Mosley who provided continuous support through many years of her adulthood. Her father, Alexander Lucas Sr. preceded her in death.

Debra’s presence and radiance will always be with US.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at the Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home from 4:00pm to 9:00pm.

Chapel Service to be held at the Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home on Thursday, November 21, 2019 from 11:00am to 12:00pm

Donations in Debra's memory can be made to the following organizations, be sure to add in memory of Debra Pinkston Multiple Systems Atrophy or WBGO.Org.