Debra May Duran-Rios

Debra May Duran-Rios, aged 66, passed away quietly and at peace on the 2nd of March, 2021. Born the 30th of April, 1954 in Los Angeles, California to father John Duran, and mother Ivy May Pittman. Her years were spent working, and raising her family.

She is preceded in death by her mother Ivy Pittman, her sister Vicky Pell, her ex-partner Tyrone Johnson, her former husband and lifelong friend, Charles Cordova, and a myriad of pets that she lovingly put up with. She is survived by her brother Leslie James Pittman Jr, her three adult children and spouses; Ronald Lee (Olga) Duran, Dimitra May Duran, David Anthony Duran-Rios, and her ex-husband Jose Rolando Rios. Surviving as well are her grandchildren; Shawn Lewis-Duran, Tatiyana Lewis, Jaliyah Lewis, Daniel Duran, and many more adoptive grandchildren. She is also survived by friends, neighbors, and people who knew her in the community and benefited from her radiance and kindness.

Debra was a woman of many talents; as a child and teen she played music and sang, ran track, and learned classic automotive work. She was a fantastic cook, skilled speaker, peacemaker, community organizer, and had a silver tongue that could sell new sleighs to Santa Clause himself. She always sought the best in people, and raised her family to seek the same, even if there was a cost involved; Debra never got old, she just aged a bit, and died with a young heart and spirit within her.

Music, art, literature, and history were some of the deepest passions she held. Keeping an oral history of her family from the 1700's until present day was something near and dear to her heart. She loved old Russian books, classic cinema, all varieties of music, as well as almost anything artistic. She brought light and happiness wherever she went with a song, and could illuminate an entire city with her smile.

Her longest held career where she gained many accolades was with Wells Fargo Bank, she was a leader in sales, but also forming bonds with people and ensuring they were listened to. She passed over the offer for promotion many times, preferring to stay in the areas she felt she could do most good, and focusing on her family life and getting enough sleep. In her over ten years with the bank, she topped sales for her district multiple times, won many trips for her achievements, and helped people make wise and responsible choices with their financial needs.

She leaves behind her in this life blessed children with a wide range of interests and knowledge, a proud family lineage of survival and strength, wonderfully spoiled and adored grandchildren, and a community of friends and neighbors that is all the better to have known her.

We from the family ask that any donations be added to the GoFundMe set up as Remembering Debra Duran-Rios (https://www.gofund.me/01a5a72b), or to use those funds to appreciate your friends and family while they still live, and make the very best memories that you can.

Service arrangements are currently private, please reach out to Debra's family if you'd like information on attending in-person or via streaming.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Debra May Duran-Rios, please visit our floral store.