Debbie Valentine, age 66, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2026, after a courageous battle with colon cancer.

Debbie was born on July 21, 1959, in Champaign, Illinois, to Shirley Stephenson and Earl Clifton Sr. (“Bud”). She graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 1977 and went on to dedicate her life to caring for others as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Debbie worked for DMH and Advantage Health, where she was known for her compassion, dedication, and the comfort she brought to her patients.

Debbie will be remembered for her kind and generous heart, her willingness to help anyone in need, and her ability to make everyone feel like a friend. She truly was a friend to all, and her warmth and selflessness touched countless lives.

She is survived by her loving partner, Victoria Infante of Chicago, Illinois; her children: daughter Jennifer Remley, and her grandchildren Taylor (Clayton) Fathauer and Gaige Fathauer, all of Decatur, Illinois; daughter Stacy (John) Gogerty, and grandchildren Dylan (Sienna) Gogerty and Camron (Joriah) Gogerty, all of Lafayette, Indiana; son Donnie (Lauren) Remley, and grandchildren Max and Maverick Remley of Clinton, Illinois; son-in-law Todd Yerkey and Ann Marie Gahan, and grandchildren Lydia, Logan, and Everett Yerkey of Tinley Park, Illinois; and bonus daughter Christine Lolley and family of Nashville, Tennessee. She is also survived by her brother Thomas Clifton of Decatur, Illinois; sister-in-law Julie Clifton of Decatur, Illinois; sister Dawn White of San Antonio, Texas; and many nieces and nephews.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Earl Clifton Jr.; and her youngest daughter, Jillian Yerkey.

In keeping with Debbie’s wishes, she was cremated. True to her spirit, Debbie didn’t want people standing around in sadness—and she was very clear she didn’t trust anyone to get her hair just right. She also didn’t believe in spending money on a traditional funeral when it could be better used bringing people together. Instead, a celebration of life will be held in the coming months. Because if you knew Debbie, you know she would much rather be remembered with laughter, love, and a great party.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to her niece Amanda Good and her closest friends who helped care for her in her final days. And a very special (and slightly humorous) thank you to her loving partner, Victoria Infante, for graciously “sharing custody” of Debbie with Stacy during her illness—something Debbie likely had strong opinions about and probably thought she was in charge of the whole arrangement anyway. Your love, support, and kindness meant everything, and we truly could not have done it without you.

Debbie will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.