Debbie Thomas, born Debbie White is a native Washingtonian. She still lives in the house where she was born. Mrs. White worked for the Newspaper Guild and after her retirement, dedicated her time to working with elementary schools in a program that reads to students in various languages. Mrs. Thomas helps organize an annual Central Ave reunion of neighbors that grew up in the community. The Thomas lost their son, Chris Thomas, to gun violence on C Street SE.