With deepest sorrow we at Henryhand Funeral Home regret to announce the passing of Debra Ann McElveen, 66, of Lake City, SC, widow of the late DeLeon McElveen Sr., who passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2026.

Life Reflections

"Let not your heart be troubled: believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions; if it was not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you."                                                               John 14:1-2

Debra Ann McElveen, also known as "Cookie", completed her journey and entered eternal rest at MUSC in Florence, SC on Sunday, October 11, 2026, after an extended illness. She was born August 8, 1960 to the late Thomas Burgess, Jr. and Mary Ann Gamble-Burgess, and was reared in Gable, SC. She was preceded in death by her husband, Deleon McElveen, Sr.; her father, Thomas Burgess, Jr; her mother and best friend, Mary Ann Gamble-Burgess; a brother, Lionel Burgess and a sister, Thomasene Burgess-McFadden.

She received her education in the public schools of Clarendon County during her formative years and Sumter County during high school graduating from Mayewood High School in 1978. She was a dedicated employee of the Compass Family Restaurant in Turbeville, SC for many years. She was a childhood member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church of Turbeville, SC where she accepted Christ. Later, she became a member of Redeemed Outreach Ministries where she served on missionary board. Her final church home was Word of God Outreach Ministries where she attended until her health declined. She always had a passion for singing and sang in the church choirs. She was also the lead singer of her late husband's gospel group Deacon Leon and God's Chosen Ones.

Debra was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend and will live on through precious memories carried by her devoted daughter and caregiver, Kagell Benjamin of the home; her son, Terrell Benjamin of Tampa, FL and her daughter, Shalawn Benjamin of Florence, SC; three grandsons she reared as her own, Brandon Benjamin, Tevin Hills and Kevin Hills; six other grandchildren, Kaniyah Cooper, Kaitlyn Douglas, Zoey Flowers, Deandria Robinson, Zion George and Jermani Benjamin; three sisters, Sherri (Darryl) Bryant, Jennifer (Robert) White and Monika (Kervin) Whack all of Turbeville, SC; three brothers, Minister Tommy Burgess and Jammie Burgess both of Turbeville, SC and Johnny (Gloria) Burgess of Sumter, SC; caring and committed friends, Elder Kralick ("Kip") and Sandra Cooper all of Lake City, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The family will receive visitors on Wednesday and Thursday ONLY from 4:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. at 120 S. Robinson Ave. Lake City, South Carolina 29560.

All arrangements and professional services have been entrusted to Henryhand Funeral Home of Lake City, SC. 843-354-2292.