Debra Ann Gilbert-Scales was born in Flint, MI on October 27, 1955 to
Eugene and Edith McEwen.
She was the 4th of 6 children. She attended Holmes Jr. High School in
Flint, MI then transferred to Hill McCloy High School in Montrose, MI where
she obtained her high school diploma. She continued her education
through Mott Community College, Detroit College of Business where she
received her associates degree, Flint Bible Institute where she obtained a
certificate in biblical studies, 3 year bible college degree and completed a 5
year Missions and Pastoral Studies program. She was an avid bible scholar
and continued her studies through various other institutions. She was able
to retire after 18 years of service to General Motors.

Her life's journey allowed her to traverse several states and become a
willing worker in ministry with a different function in every territory. She has
assisted, attended, taught, or become a member of the following parts of
the body of Christ: New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Tree of Life
Christian Church and Deliverance C.O.G.I.C in Flint, MI. Rock of Truth
Deliverance Ministries in Charleston, S.C. ,House of Prayer C.O.G.I.C in
Warner Robins, GA and she completed her assignment at Shekinah Glory
Cathedral in Tampa, FL.

Her hobbies included: Sewing, Cooking, Computer games, Bible Study,
biblical counseling, prayer and encouragement of others daily. She was
affectionately known as the "neighborhood mom" due to her love for others
and sincere desire to assist each individual in living their best life. She
loved the LORD and was committed to effective evangelism through the
Word of GOD, community outreach and life example. If you were looking
for her, you would most often find her in the house of the LORD. Her
wisdom, counsel and affection were hallmarks of her personality that will be
remembered in our hearts forever.

Proceeding her in death were: her father, Eugene James McEwen Sr.

Brothers: Eugene James McEwen Jr., Michael Clifford McEwen, Demetrius
Robin McEwen. Uncles: J.B. Elzy, L.M. Elzy, Sonny Elzy, Aswell Elzy,
Willie Washington. Aunts: Essie Mae Washington, Barbara Elzy, Ruth Elzy.

She leaves to cherish her memory: Mother: Edith McEwen Buford,
Children: Emanuel Gilbert, Sonyita (Dwayne) Connor-Clemons, Krysteena
Scales and their father, Sam Scales. Grandchildren: Esaias Connor,
Na'Arah Connor, Emani Gilbert. Sisters: Victoria McEwen-Russey and
Sandra McEwen Gilbert-Blair. Nieces and Nephews: Andre (Lakesha)
Gilbert, Jamalian Washington, Raaven (Brian) Russey-West. Great nieces
and nephews: Jamil Gilbert, Brandon McCarty-West, Carter Washington,
Jocelyn Gilbert. Cousins: Annette Marzette, Roxanne Elzy-Miller, Darlene
Elzy-Thompson, Essie Elzy Dotson, Barbara Elzy.

Special Friends: Pastor A.D. (Michon) Shaw, Pastor Matthew (Jenetter)
Davis, Matthew Davis III, Pastor Ronald (Shirley) Andersen, Pastor Frank
(Rhoda) Woods, Associate Pastor Sidney (Hattie) Crespo, Associate
Pastor Shannon (Jonathon) Polk, Dr. Mary Hatcher, Elder Charles (Debra)
Richardson, Elder Oren (Phyllis) Flynn, Pastor Ricky (Crystal) Hall, Kathy
Barlow, Mcphine Gilbert, Fred (Odette) Jones, Ezell Grayson, Barbara
Young, James (Taliah) Wilborn, Cherese (Sam) Shannon, Mother Shaw.