Today we gather here to honor the memory of our beautiful and beloved Mother, Daughter, Grandmother, Sister, and Aunt Debra Salama.

 Debra is preceded in death by her husband Hakeem Salama, her brother Fernie Sanchez, and son-in-law Johnny Hernandez.

Debra is survived by her children, Azeza Salama, Ahmed (Betsy) Salama, Nadya Salama, and Ayman (Arraiaunna) Salama; siblings, Joe Ledesma, Bob Ledesma, Sally Ortiz, Rosalie Garza, and John Ledesma; parents, Socorro and Fernando Sanchez; grandchildren, Amina Delgado, Aamilah Hernandez, Aadelah Salama, and Hakeem Salama; a number of nieces, nephews, in-laws and countless friends.

 For those of you that knew Debra, knew that she forged her own path and lived her life to the fullest. She had a love for her family, traveling, music, and most of all helping others when they were in need.

 Let’s not forget about her witty sense of humor and those one liners that would have the whole room laughing to the point of tears. But no worries, because if you happen to bear the privilege of ever being the butt of those jokes, you also knew you were being “roasted with love.”

 Debra had a strong love for music (she loved her some classic rock and a good Sunken Garden concert) and culture, having  traveled the world to Europe and lived in San Francisco, ultimately returning to San Antonio to plant her roots.

 She was also a safe haven to so many of us, family and extended family. She opened her home to anyone who was in need and she was always ready to give the shirt off her back, always instantly trying to look for a solution or relief for anyone who needed comfort or advice, even in her times of feeling tired.

 Most of all what we will miss is her fiery, loving, tenacious soul. Debra was our graceful, fearless, loving protector.

 Her children and family members take solace in knowing that Debra is now united in heaven with her beloved husband Hakeem Salama, brother Edward “Fernie” Ledesma, and her Grandmother Juanita Laredo.

 Family and friends, I ask that when you find your self reminiscing about the beautiful times God gifted us with Debra and need to be uplifted, throw on some classic rock (full blast only) and give the Uncle Bob “Rock-n-Roll” fist to the heavens, because Debra is now our graceful, fearless, loving protector for all of eternity.

Until we meet again, we love and miss you with all of our hearts Debra Jean. Fly free.