Deborah Elaine Wroe's Obituary
Deborah Elaine Wroe was born September 7, 1956 in Mobile, Alabama to Annie and
Oscar Williams, Sr., the second of four siblings. She enjoyed school and participating in
pageants in Mobile, as well as being surrounded by a loving extended family. In 1965
her family moved from Mobile to Sacramento, California, along with many other families
during “the great migration”. The family made their home in Strawberry Manor, where
Deborah attended Fairbanks Elementary School, followed by Las Palmas Junior High
and Norte del Rio High School, from which she graduated in 1974. Along with her
family, Deborah joined Del Paso Union Baptist Church in 1966. She was a faithful
member over the years and especially enjoyed the young adult choir.
Deborah married Walter Snider, Sr. at a young age and they welcomed their son,
Walter, Jr. into the world with love. Following their divorce, she was blessed with her
second child, Nicole Espinoza, five years later. Deborah worked for many years at
California Almond Growers, AC Transit, and Sacramento Regional Transit, where she
began her career as a bus driver and retired as a train operator. She made friends and
brightened customers’ days everywhere she went.
On August 20, 2018, Deborah married the love of her life, Billy Wroe, Sr. During their
more than 26 years together, they enjoyed boating, fishing and attending concerts,
especially old school and jazz. She loved to read and was an expert at crossword
puzzles for as long as her family can remember. She also had an amazing green thumb
and was very happy in her garden, as well as when she was surrounded by family and
friends at cookouts or just spending time together. She was a loving and supportive
sister to her younger siblings throughout high school and beyond. She was very present
and provided support for them to succeed and thrive. And she had a great sense of
humor. She loved to tease her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She
provided loving care for both of her parents as they reached their golden years,
providing daily meals, support and companionship. She was so kind…she never met a
stranger and usually ended conversations with, “I love you more”.
Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, Annie and Oscar Williams, Sr. She is
survived by her beloved husband, Billy Wroe, Sr., son, Walter Snider, Jr., (Patricia)
daughter, Nicole Espinoza, brothers, Oscar Williams, Jr. and Derrick Williams, Sr.
(Kamo), sister, Pamela Chambers, grandsons Anthony Brussard, Jr., Julian Carter and
Wendell Snider, as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews, her Alabama family and
friends everywhere.
What’s your fondest memory of Deborah?
What’s a lesson you learned from Deborah?
Share a story where Deborah's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Deborah you’ll never forget.
How did Deborah make you smile?
