Deborah Sapp-4-26-2025

Deborah Ann Sapp was born on March 10, 1957, in Como, North Carolina, to the late Pastor Annie L. James and James B. Cooper. At a young age, her parents, along with other elders from North Carolina, made the decision to move north, eventually settling in the close-knit shore town of Long Branch, New Jersey. It was there that Deborah’s life blossomed into one marked by love, service, and legacy. On April 13, 2025, at the age of 68, Deborah transitioned peacefully from labor to reward in Neptune, New Jersey, surrounded by love and leaving behind a legacy rooted in faith, family, and community.

Deborah was the devoted wife of Samuel Lee Sapp of Neptune, New Jersey. Their love story spanned more than 53 years, including 47 years of marriage. Known affectionately in the community as “Sam and Deb,” the high school sweethearts served as a beautiful example of enduring love and unity. Together, they raised four sons in the Monmouth County school system, grounding them in strong values centered on God, family, and resilience. Deborah was a proud graduate of Long Branch High School, Class of 1975, where she served as class president, participated in student council, twirled flags with pride, and lit up every room as a vibrant and beloved social butterfly.

Following high school, she attended Brookdale College, first pursuing a career in nursing before discovering a passion for electronics and PC board work. She would go on to work with companies such as Wheelock and the Visiting Nursing Aides (V.N.A.), but her heart found its true calling in education. Deborah spent over a decade as a dedicated educator within the Neptune School System, where her classroom became a haven of love, wisdom, and laughter. Her various lipstick colors, contagious smile, and famous hugs became her signature—often making it hard for students to leave her presence. Her nurturing spirit made her a beloved figure among students and staff alike.

Deborah’s journey of service began in her youth at Second Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as a youth usher. From those early days, her heart was anchored in ministry and her love for God’s people only deepened with time. That same spirit of dedication carried her into adulthood, where she gave her life in selfless service to the church and the community. For over 23 years, Deborah served faithfully as the Missionary President of Second Baptist Church, working hand-in-hand with her beloved cousin, Marion Warren, who served as Vice President. Walking in the footsteps of her late aunt, the great Nell Everett, Deborah continued a powerful legacy of compassion and leadership. Under her guidance, the Missionary Ministry helped feed the homeless through “Meals at Noon,” provided clothing for those in need, offered prayer and scripture to the sick and shut-in, and joyfully organized the church’s Annual Christmas Basket Giveaway. Whether in her youth or her later years, Deborah’s unwavering commitment to serving God and His people remained the heartbeat of her life.

Deborah's favorite sayings reflected the joy and unwavering faith she carried: “May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me,” “I’m Blessed by the Best,” and “Too Anointed to Be Disappointed.” Her family will always remember her entering the house shouting God’s highest praise—“Hallelujah!”—a joyful declaration that filled the room with light and love. She was also known for her mouthwatering potato salad, seafood salad, and golden fried chicken—meals served with warmth, laughter, and soul. Deborah found happiness in spending time with her family—laughing, dancing, and soaking in every precious moment. She adored her handcrafted dolls, jigsaw puzzles, and watching her favorite Westerns. One of her most treasured gifts came from her devoted husband—a little white Maltese named Cody Rich, her “ladies’ best friend,” who brought her endless joy and companionship.

Deborah gave her life fully to God, her family, her church, and her community. She truly embodied the scripture, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the family she loved, and the faith she boldly lived out. She truly loved the Lord—and knew what it meant that HE loved her first. As the Bible says, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. May the work you’ve done truly speak for you.”

She was preceded in death by her loving mother Pastor Annie L. James, her father James B. Cooper, her grandfather Reverend Johnnie Stephenson and her grandmother's Geneva Gadsen, Bertha Cooper, and Queen Stephenson, her brother Reverend Michael Porter, and her lifetime sister-friend Cheryl D. Reeves.

Deborah leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband, Samuel Lee Sapp, and their four sons: Dwace D. Sapp of Atlanta, Georgia; Darrius L. Sapp and his wife Monique of Ocean Township, New Jersey; Derrell D. Sapp and his partner Cara Walker of Burlington County, New Jersey; and Nicolas T. Sapp of Neptune, New Jersey. She also leaves behind her God-daughter Rashauna Whitfield of Brick Twp., New Jersey; her siblings Aaron Mathis and Erin Cooper of Neptune, New Jersey, and Brenda Parker of Como, North Carolina. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Stephanie Sapp of Atlanta, Georgia, and Sherri Juniel and her husband Alan of Houston, Texas. She was a cherished daughter-in-law to Vera Stewart of Neptune, New Jersey.

Deborah was blessed with a large and loving family, including her aunts and uncles who survive her: Ethel Armstrong (Lennox) of Richmond, Virginia; Queen Elizabeth Blowe (Cyrus) and Mary Davis of Murfreesboro, North Carolina; Priscilla Epps of Como, North Carolina; Brenda Knight (Leon) of Franklin, Virginia; Linda Carter of Como, North Carolina and Wilbur Cooper (Ruthie) of Como, North Carolina. She also shared deep bonds with her dear cousins Marion Warren Long Branch, NJ and Connie Vaughn, Murfreesboro, NC her sweet younger cousin Patrice Cooper, Neptune, NJ and her beloved Life Group sisters, affectionately known as “Little Tokens of Love.”

Her grandchildren—Shaniya Sapp, Breyonna Sapp, Lashawn Alford, Darrius Sapp Jr., Joey Johnson, Derrell Sapp Jr. (DJ), Justin Petty, Kayla Petty, Darriana Sapp, Teairra Lacy (TT), Kadearah Sapp, Dwace Sapp Jr. (Way Way), Sanai Sapp, and Tyshir Bigelow—brought her tremendous joy, along with her two precious great-grandchildren. Deborah is also remembered fondly by a host of extended family, dear friends, neighbors, and her cherished church family. Though there are too many names to include, Deborah loved them all deeply and sincerely, each holding a special place in her heart.