Debra Prosathia White Cruz, 56

COLEMANS, MD - Debra Prosathia White Cruz, died Friday, Nov. 28, 2008, in Greater Baltimore Medical Center, Baltimore. Born on April 6, 1952, she was the daughter of Inez Sarah White and the late Elder George W. White Sr., of Still Pond. She was the wife of Gregory E. Cruz Sr. After a long friendship, they were united in holy matrimony on June 24, 1978. She received her high school diploma at Chestertown High School. She also attended Morgan State University in Baltimore, Md., where she received her Bachelor's degree in Education. Mrs. Cruz returned to Chestertown after college and began teaching at Chestertown Middle School as a general and special education teacher. She continued her education at various colleges and universities around Maryland and received her Master's. Mrs. Cruz was employed by the Kent County Board of Education for 31 years. She was a dedicated wife, mother of two, and a natural born teacher. Mrs. Cruz enjoyed spending time with her family, friends, and fellow Christian soldiers. She was a member, treasurer, and Sunday School teacher for the Prayer Band of Faith Church. In addition to her mother and husband of 30 years, Ms. Cruz is survived by a daughter, Latresha Cruz, of Colemans, Md.; a son, Gregory E. Cruz Jr., of Colemans, Md.; two brothers, James A. White, of Lusby, Md., and George W. White Jr., of Sudlersville, Md.; and a sister, Dorothy Cotton and her husband Raymond, of Still Pond, Md. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A viewing will be 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, 2008. Services will be noon on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008. Both the viewing and memorial service will be held at Mount Olive AME Church in Butlertown, Md. Burial will be at Prayer Band of Faith Church in Colemans, Md. Arrangements by Bennie Smith Funeral Home of Dover.