In Memoriam—Debbie Wilson
Debbie Bernice Wilson, beloved daughter, sister, and friend, passed away Jan. 9, 2025, after years of bravely struggling with health and physical issues. She served the School of Veterinary Medicine as executive director of development for most of the past decade.
Debbie was born in 1961 in Washington, D.C, to Alfred and Dunrue Wilson. She and her two siblings, Dari and Dwayne, spent their formative years in Richland, WA. After graduating from Richland Columbia High School, she earned a business degree at Washington State University in 1984 and began her professional career at Easter Seals in Dallas, Texas. She then moved into what would be a highly successful fundraising career with California State University, Sacramento, and then UC Davis where she spent a decade supporting philanthropic efforts at the College of Letters and Science before joining the veterinary school.
It was her heart, authenticity, and the deep respect she always showed for donors, volunteers, faculty and staff that made her beloved by all who worked with her. She understood that every contribution was a story, a reflection of the donor’s values and passions.
Debbie’s impact on both the university and its broader community was nothing short of extraordinary. During her tenure at UC Davis, Debbie raised over $50 million—a staggering achievement that will continue to serve the university’s mission and students for generations.
As Debbie confronted her illnesses, she was strengthened by her unwavering faith and her deep involvement with Saint Paul’s Baptist Church in Sacramento, where she served in key leadership roles and as superintendent of the Sunday School.
Debbie’s family and friends will always remember her smile, passion, sense of humor, kindness, and loving nature. At UC Davis, she was recognized for her compassion, professionalism, love of PowerPoint documents and spreadsheets, and refusal to quit on any task, big or small.
Part of Debbie’s story at the School of Veterinary Medicine was adopting a homeless and injured five-pound puppy who she named Dolce, after fashion designers Dolce & Gabana. The pup became a pampered princess, sporting matching outfits with Debbie.
In her almost 20 years at UC Davis, Debbie served in different leadership roles and on numerous committees, always stepping up to make a difference. She led with conviction, and always with heart—empowering those around her and lifting others up.
“There are rare and exceptional individuals in this world—those who, when they enter a room, make everyone around them feel a little better, a little more joyful, a little more hopeful,” said Assistant Dean of Advancement Lee Ann Jansen at Debbie’s memorial service on March 6. “These people are true gifts. And we were all incredibly blessed to know one of the brightest and most amazing gifts in Debbie.”
Debbie was a servant leader in the truest sense. She led with humility, integrity, and a fierce dedication to lifting others up. Whether offering a listening ear, providing guidance, or quietly supporting someone in need, Debbie always made others feel seen, heard, and valued.
Debbie leaves behind her siblings Dwayne and Dari, a host of aunts and uncles and cousins, loving dog Dolce, and countless friends from Dallas, Washington, D.C., Richland, and the Sacramento metropolitan region.
She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and loving dog Sammie.
Those wishing to honor Debbie’s memory can donate to the veterinary scholarship established in her honor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine: https://give.ucdavis.edu/VDVM/325694.