Deborah “Deb” Willson, 71, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at her home. Born in Hillsboro, Iowa, on November 1, 1954, daughter of Francis W. Willson and Wahneta (Reipe) Goble.
Deb touched the lives of all who knew her with her warmth, humor, and unwavering devotion to her family and friends.
A dedicated employee, Deb worked as a general laborer for Rockwell/Cambridge for 26 years and also contributed her talents to the IGA in Centralia for 12 years.
Deb’s life was rich with passions that brought her immense joy. She cherished cooking, gardening, and crafting, and delighted in shopping trips with her daughter. A lover of Christmas, her decorations were legendary among family and friends. Her love for music, particularly that of Elvis Presley and Bob Seger, provided the soundtrack to her life. A fan of Westerns and an avid wildlife observer, Deb treasured drives to spot deer and collected charming Highland Cow and sunflower items. Her two cherished four-legged companions, Tank and Loki, affectionately known as Pork Chop, were also close to her heart.
Deb’s heart was as large as her love for those around her, and she will be dearly missed by her daughter, Chrystyl Willson and Joe of Farina, and her son, Shane Willson and wife Barb of Biloxi, Mississippi. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Carol Alli of Centralia; stepson, Bob Alli and wife Julie of Centralia; and her cherished grandchildren, Caleb, Eddie, David, and Courtney. Her three brothers, Tom Willson of San Antonio, Texas, Alan Willson of Seattle, Washington, and Rick Willson of Iowa, as well as several nieces and nephews, mourn her passing.
Deb was preceded in death by her parents, her stepdad George Goble, her grandfather Silas Reipe, and her lifelong partner, Bob Alli, Sr.
In accordance with Deb’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, is honored to care for Deb and her family during this difficult time. Online condolences can be shared with the family via their website at www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and their Facebook page.
