Help Bury Debbie Kemp with Dignity

Dear friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers,

My name is Shawntae Sparks, and I’m the daughter of Debbie Kemp, a remarkable woman known for her love, strength, and compassion. With a heavy heart, I share that my mother passed away on May 10th, 2025, the day before Mother’s Day.

My family and I are devastated by this loss. My mother had been sick for a long time and fought with everything she had until the very end. Now we are doing our best to give her the farewell she truly deserves, one filled with the same love, joy, and dignity she gave to the world.

My mother dedicated her life to serving others. She was a proud graduate of Brooklyn College, where she earned a Master of Arts in Urban Policy and Administration, as well as a Bachelor of Arts from the City College of New York. She worked at BMCC in the Higher Education Opportunity Program, where she supported students with disabilities. Beyond her professional life, she was a passionate tenant and community organizer, always standing up for those in need. As a member of the Park Slope Food Co-op, she loved meeting new people and was known for her radiant smile and open heart.

My mother loved Caribbean and soul food, especially oxtail, fried chicken, and macaroni and cheese. She had a soft spot for crime shows, including Criminal Minds, Law & Order: SVU, and Blue Bloods. She would light up whenever I made her favorite lemon or strawberry cakes. More than anything, she loved her family, especially her grandson and granddaughter, who were her pride and joy.

We are raising funds to cover her final arrangements, funeral expenses, and transportation costs for those visiting. Any contribution, no matter the size, will help ease the financial burden on our family and allow us to focus on grieving and remembering her with love. All donations will go strictly toward funeral costs, helping ensure my mother is laid to rest with the dignity and grace she so deeply deserves.

Your generosity, prayers, and kind messages mean the world to us. Thank you for being part of her community and for supporting us during this incredibly difficult time.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Shawntae Sparks