Deborah Kay McCallum "Deb-we"

Deborah Kay McCallum "Deb-we," age 74, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2024, at Gilchrist Hospice in Towson, Maryland. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Elizabeth (Bigglow) Oliver and the beloved spouse of Barbara J. Gehrman.

Deborah was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, known for her strength, loyalty, and unwavering devotion to her family. She spent over 30 years as a Veterans Affairs Attorney, championing those in need with unmatched brilliance and tenacity. Her journey to becoming a lawyer was marked by perseverance: she worked nights as a butcher and sang at bars and lounges to put herself through law school, often falling asleep with her books by her side.

A leader in her community, Deborah served as President of the Regional LGBTQ Community Organization, advocating passionately for equality and support. She also shared her expertise as a professor at the University of Baltimore School of Law, inspiring future generations of attorneys.

Music was Deborah's art and solace. She possessed a remarkable voice, which she passed down to her family. As a member of the Upper Chesapeake Chorus of Sweet Adelines, Deborah helped her team win numerous regional competitions and awards.

Deborah's compassion extended to animals, especially dogs, which she and her wife treated as cherished family members, often rescuing, and nurturing them with love.

Deborah is survived by her loving spouse, Barbara J. Gehrman; her children, Shawn Alan Gehrman, Kelli Kathleen McCallum, and Nikki Elizabeth McCallum; and her adored grandchildren, Jazzy Johnson, Winter Gehrman, and Autumn Gehrman; niece and nephew Kim and Liston Matthews, niece Dionne Oliver; great nieces Gina Brown, Christina Daily and Indigo Oliver, and great nephews Steve Brown, Jason Daily And Darrun Matthews; great great nieces and nephews, Jamal, Jaxen, Jacob, Jadelynn, and Jabria Brown; great great nieces, Isabella and Ellianna Daily; sister in law Shantel Oliver-Louallen

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter, and Elizabeth Oliver; her brothers, Anthony Ricardo Oliver, and Nuvaugh Cornelius Oliver; and her sister, Algene Dailey.

Contributions in Deborah's memory may be made to St. Jude https://www.stjude.org/ and Humane Society of Harford County https://www.harfordshelter.org/

Deborah's legacy of love, resilience, and dedication will be cherished by all who knew her.