Debora Cisneros

Anna Debora Cisneros del Risco passed away on Wednesday, May 24 at her residence in Buford, shortly after her 70th birthday, surrounded by a room full of her family and friends. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Debora—or “Cusa,” as she was known to her family—was born on March 7, 1953 in Camaguey, Cuba to Arquímedes del Risco and Hortensia del Risco Alard. She was the third of four children, and the second girl of a tight-knit family. In an early family picture she was the only kid wearing ripped shorts and with messy hair. Though she often joked that this was evidence of being the neglected middle child, more likely it was because of being the family tomboy. In 1965, at the age of twelve, she was brought by her mother to the United States along with two of her siblings to be reunited with her father. The family settled in California before moving to Atlanta in 1969. After getting married in 1980, Debora began a decades-long successful career working in administration at Mercer University and UGA, all the while raising her three boys, who were the joy of her life. She was known for breaking out into dancing or singing, and for her full body laugh. Most of all she will be remembered for her compassion, humor, and devotion to her family and to her church community. As a mother she was an unquenchable fountain of love, support, and sacrifice. To her family, she continued to be the “girl with the ripped shorts,” a source of fun, kindness, and grace. Through her faithful service in her church as a Bible school teacher and small group leader, she showed her faithfulness to God and became a second mother and mentor to many. In the last moments of her life, she continued to inspire her loved ones to join together in song. Debora is survived by her sons Josue David, with his wife Betsy; Rene Donaldo, III, with his wife Yaima and grandchildren Victor and Haley; and Joel Alejandro, with his wife Amber, along with the rest of her big loving family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) in Debora’s memory. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 28, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Flanigan Funeral Home.

Debora Cisneros

March 7, 1953 - May 24, 2023