Deborah Livingston

Obituary: Deborah J. Livingston (nee Christie) was born December 31, 1956 to the late Richard W. Christie Sr. and the late Mary L. Christie in Heidelberg, Germany. Deborah grew up as a military child and was able to explore many parts of the United States and Europe. Deborah moved to Columbia, SC in 1980 and began a life of public service. Deborah began her career as a Teller at Banker's Trust and quickly moved up and became a Branch Manager and eventually Vice President with Bank of America where she spent 18 years. In January of 2000 she changed career paths and became Executive Director of the Columbia Housing Development Corporation with the City of Columbia. Deborah exhibited exemplary leadership and innovation in both her professional and volunteer life. Her commitment to service included Board membership on the New Morning Foundation, Congaree Girls Scout Council, Domestic Abuse Council, SC Association of Community Development Corporations, the SC Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors Board and President of the Elmwood Park Neighborhood Association. Her many awards and tributes include Diamond Honoree of YWCA of the Midlands Tribute to Women in Industry, the Regal Sertoma Club's Service to Mankind Award and a Congressional Record Tribute from the Honorable James E. Clyburn for outstanding community service. Deborah was passionate in her work and her volunteerism about empowering low-income citizens to become self-sufficient and homeowners. In her spare time she loved to listen to music and was an avid book reader. Deborah is survived by her daughter Malea (Charles) Turner, grandsons Jayden and Joshua, brother Richard (Sandra) Christie III, nephew Oliver and nieces, Annabelle and Emma. In lieu of flowers, the family request that you support Deborah's most recent passion Columbia FoodShare which assists with the provision of healthy produce and nutrition choices through Columbia FoodShare and the establishment of a teaching kitchen at the Katherine Bellfield Center. To help make her dream become reality, please make donations to the Columbia Parks and Recreation Foundation designated for the Culinary Training Facility, P.O. Box 573, Columbia, SC 29202. Services: Columbia - Services for Deborah J. Livingston will be held 1:00 p.m. Wendensday, June 1, 2016 at Reformation Lutheran Church Columbia with interment to follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery.