Debra Stivers

Debra Sue Stivers, 68, of Shelbyville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 18,
2026, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Surrounded by the family she cherished,
Deb spent her final moments in the beautiful log cabin she and Stan lovingly called home, tucked
away deep in the woods along the river. Even in those final hours, there was room for a smile. It
somehow felt fitting that she left us on a Tuesday—because anyone who knew Deb knew
Tuesday meant one thing: Meatloaf Tuesday at The Wagon in Decatur.

Deb’s wishes were to be cremated. Funeral services will be held on Saturday August 29, 2026 at
the Second Church of God located at 2670 E Division St. Decatur, IL 62526. Visitation will be
from 1:00-3:00 p.m. and the service will be 3:00-4:00 p.m.

Following the service, family and friends are warmly invited to continue celebrating Deb’s life at
Stan and Deb’s home in Shelbyville. In keeping with the Hamilton family’s cherished tradition of
gathering around the table, a potluck meal will be shared. Guests are welcome to bring a favorite
dish as we come together to honor Deb’s memory, share stories, laughter, and the love she so
generously gave to everyone.

The family has chosen Hourans Florist located at 1106 W Pershing Rd., Decatur, IL 62526, (217)
853-1115. Hourans Florist
Debra Sue Hamilton was the firstborn child of Warren “Pops” Edward Hamilton and Clara Marie
“Sue” (Woodrum) Hamilton. She entered the world on a cold, snowy November 22, 1957, at
Springfield Memorial Hospital after her parents made the drive from their small country home in
Dawson, Illinois.

As the oldest of five children, Deb was the heart of her siblings’ childhood. They always wanted to
tag along with her, spend time with her, and be included in whatever she was doing. Their
friendship as brothers and sisters became one of the greatest blessings of their lives.
As a child, Deb loved spending her days outdoors playing hide-and-seek, kick the can, Red
Rover, and king of the hill with her siblings and neighborhood friends. Some of her favorite
childhood memories included receiving a small organ and a new bicycle for Christmas, but what
she cherished most were the simple comforts of home—the taste of her mother’s homemade
vegetable soup, the aroma of a ham baking in the oven, and her grandmother’s homemade
blackberry pie.

After the Hamilton family settled at 2260 E. Division Street in Decatur, Grant Park became Deb’s
playground. She spent countless hours there with her siblings and neighborhood kids, making
memories that lasted a lifetime. One of her favorite childhood traditions was the weekly trip to
Spitler Woods, where all the neighborhood children would pile into the back of a farm truck for a
day of hiking, treasure hunting, collecting leaves, playing games, and a picnic lunch.
Deb was active in Girl Scouts and enjoyed attending church camp and Bible school. She also
loved going to Little League baseball games with her father, who coached her brother’s team. As
the team’s scorekeeper, Deb had an incredible memory and could recall every player’s first and
last name, even years later.

Summers were often spent in Athens, Illinois, with her beloved grandmother, Rose Woodrum.
Their bond was one of the most treasured relationships of Deb’s life, and years later, she was
overjoyed to see that same special connection blossom between her own daughter, Tiffany, and
Great-Grandma Rose.

As a teenager, Deb was baptized in Decatur Lake, a reflection of the faith that remained an
important part of her life. Her first car was a 1970 Chevelle—an iconic American muscle car that
suited her spirit perfectly. She and her sister, Sheila, shared countless memories cruising around
town after Deb finished her shifts at The Pancake House, enjoying the freedom and fun that
comes with being young.

While Deb and Sheila shared a special bond, she was equally close with her younger siblings.
Whether they were laughing together, spending time as a family, or simply enjoying one another’s
company, Deb treasured those relationships. The closeness they built growing up became a
lifelong friendship, and the Hamilton siblings remained deeply connected throughout their lives.
Motherhood was one of Deb’s greatest joys and proudest accomplishments. She welcomed her
daughter, Tiffany, on December 27, 1975, and her son, Randy, on December 30, 1976. Her
children were the center of her world, and she worked tirelessly to provide them with a life filled
with love, stability, and happy memories. Whether she was cheering them on, baking their favorite
treats, or simply being there when they needed her, Deb’s love for her children never wavered.
Deb cherished the years she spent at home raising Tiffany and Randy. When life called her in a
different direction, she embraced the challenge with quiet strength and began working in retail,
spending more than 20 years at Iverson’s Children’s Shoes. No matter how hard she worked, her
family remained her greatest priority.

Outside of work, Deb loved baking, playing BINGO, bowling, and spending weekends at the dirt
track. Racing was more than a hobby—it was a cherished Hamilton family tradition. It’s where her
parents first met, and where generations of the family gathered every Friday night at Farmer City
Raceway and every Saturday night at Macon Speedway to cheer on her brothers (Ed and Rick).
After the races, everyone would meet at Tops Big Boy to continue the laughter and fellowship late
into the evening.

The Hamilton family shared an extraordinary bond. During the off-season, Saturday nights meant
gathering at Ed and Sue’s home for cards and dice, while Sundays were spent worshipping
together at Second Church of God, where their family celebrated a lifetime of faith, love, and
many of life’s most meaningful moments. Those traditions shaped Deb into the devoted,
generous, and family-centered woman so many knew and loved.

Later in life, Deb met the love of her life, Stanley Ray Stivers. After years of searching, they found
in each other the kind of love that many people spend a lifetime hoping for. They were married on
December 7, 2002, in their Harristown home by Pastor Mike, who will also be officiating Deb’s
service. From that day forward, they were rarely apart.

Stan loved Deb with his whole heart and gave her the life she had always deserved—a life filled
with laughter, adventure, peace, and unconditional love. He was her greatest blessing, her biggest
supporter, and her constant companion. Whether they were traveling, camping, hosting race
parties, attending dirt track races, cooking together, listening to music, watching old
black-and-white television shows, or simply spending time with their grandchildren, they found joy
in being together. The simplest moments became the most meaningful because they were
shared.

About twelve years ago, they fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing a beautiful log cabin tucked
away in the woods of Shelbyville. It quickly became their favorite place on earth and the heart of
countless family memories. Together, they spent peaceful days on the porch watching the river
flow by, hummingbirds gather at the feeders, deer wander up the driveway, and the beauty of
nature unfold around them. Their “cabin in the woods” became a place where family was always
welcome, laughter filled every room, and everyone felt at home.

Stan and Deb shared a love that was filled with friendship, laughter, and unwavering devotion.
They could make each other laugh until they were both out of breath, and they never outgrew
enjoying life’s simple pleasures together—cooking meals side by side, baking treats, and sharing
them with the people they loved. Every holiday and family gathering was hosted with open arms,
creating traditions and memories that will be treasured for generations.

When cancer entered Deb’s life, Stan’s love became even more evident. He cared for her with
extraordinary tenderness, patience, and selflessness, never leaving her side. He became her
caregiver, her advocate, her strength, and her safe place. Through every doctor’s appointment,
every treatment, every difficult day, and every sleepless night, Stan remained steadfast in his love
and commitment to her. He honored the vows they made to one another in the most beautiful way
possible—not just in words, but through countless acts of quiet sacrifice and unwavering devotion.
The greatest love story of Deb’s life wasn’t simply that she found her soulmate—it was that she
was cherished every single day. Because of Stan, she knew what it felt like to be deeply loved,
completely accepted, and truly home.

Deb and her daughter, Tiffany, shared an extraordinary bond—they weren’t just mother and
daughter, they were truly best friends. Their relationship was built on unconditional love,
unwavering support, and a friendship that only grew stronger with time.

When Tiffany moved 2,127 miles away to Seattle, Washington, Deb was there to help pack the
moving truck and wave goodbye. It was one of the hardest moments they had ever faced, but
distance never diminished their closeness. Deb made countless trips to Seattle—sometimes on
her own, and other times with Stan or her younger sister, Anna—to spend time with Tiffany. When
Tiffany and her husband purchased their first home, Deb was there once again, helping them
settle in and celebrating the beginning of a new chapter.

The miles between them never stood a chance. They talked every single day on FaceTime,
sharing life’s joys, challenges, and everything in between, just as they always had. They also
treasured their mother-daughter trips with Anna and Melissa, creating memories that would last a
lifetime.

No matter where they were, Deb and Tiffany were never far apart. They were each other’s confidants,
biggest supporters, and safest place—a bond of friendship and love that neither time nor distance
could ever break.

Deb shared a special bond with her son, Randy. Their relationship was built on love, care, and
always being there for one another. Whether they were meeting for lunch, spending weekends
watching the races, or simply checking in, they stayed closely connected. Hardly a day passed
without a phone call—often several—as they shared life’s everyday moments and made sure the
other was doing okay. Deb was Randy’s biggest cheerleader, always encouraging him, believing
in him, and loving him unconditionally.

One of Deb’s greatest joys in life was becoming “Grandma.” Randy and Kisha blessed her with
three grandchildren—Kolton, Sierra, and Dakota—who quickly became the light of her life. She
adored each of them and treasured every opportunity to be part of their lives. Whether it was
cheering from the sidelines at a ballgame, celebrating milestones, attending school events, or
simply spending time together, Deb never wanted to miss a moment. She had a remarkable way
of making each grandchild feel uniquely loved, valued, and special. Her greatest happiness came
from watching them grow, and they will forever carry with them the love, encouragement, and
unwavering support of a grandmother who was always their biggest fan.

To know Deb was to love her. She was kind, generous, genuine, and full of quiet strength. Like
her father, Pops, she never met a stranger, only friends she hadn’t made yet. She had an
incredible gift for making people feel seen, remembered, and important. She could recall your
name, your story, your favorite things, and somehow always knew exactly how to make you smile.
Deb never kept score, held a grudge, or judged anyone. She simply loved people as they were. If
you needed a friend, she showed up. If you needed encouragement, she was the first to offer it. If
she had something to give, she gave it freely.

So many people called Deb their “best friend,” and the remarkable thing is, they all meant it. She
had a heart big enough to make everyone feel like family. Her kindness wasn’t something she
practiced—it was simply who she was.

• Her loving husband who took exceptional care of her until the very end, Stanley Ray Stivers
• Her children, Tiffany (Filmer) Tolentino and Randy (Brandy) Spaugh Jr.
• Her grandchildren Kolton, Sierra, Dakota Spaugh
• Her mother Sue Hamilton
• Her siblings, Sheila (Tony) Madden, Ed (Kelly) Hamilton, Anna (Todd) Bright, Rick (Rene) Hamilton
• Her in-laws, Richard Stivers, Alan Stivers, Sharon Stivers, and Harold Stivers
• Her niece and nephews, Tony Greitman, Jason Babb, Melissa (Jeremy) Nichols, Ashley Babb, C.J. Crawley, Katie (Isaiah) Williams, Eric (Linze) Hamilton, Sam Hamilton, Brittany (Matt) Babb, and Kyndall Hamilton
• Other loved ones, a bonus granddaughter Rose Gehres, numerous cousins, great nieces/nephew, special friends Resa Spiker, Chris Walker, Judy Pollard, Sandy Coker, and so many other friends that loved her and they all called her “my best friend”
• Her nurses at Decatur Cancer Care: Heather, Taylor, Morgan, Abby, Lauryn, Nicki, Hollie, Brittany, Blair, and Sammie
• Thank you to the good nurses and doctors at HSHS Good Shepherd Hospital in Shelbyville
• A special thank you to her nurse, Kathy Garriott from the Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice

She was preceded in death by her:
● Father, Warren Edward (Pops) Hamilton who passed away on September 7, 2025
● Nephew, Tony Greitman who passed away on May 30, 2026
● Brother-in-Law, Todd Bright who passed away on June 19, 2020
● Mother-in-Law, Leona Stivers who passed away on May 26, 2006
● Grandmother, Rose Woodrum who passed away in June of 1988

Above all, Deb will be remembered for the way she loved people. Kindness wasn’t something she
did—it was simply who she was. She never met a stranger, and no one ever stayed a stranger for
long. Whether you knew her for fifty years or five minutes, she had a remarkable gift for making
you feel like you mattered.

As her daughter, I often joked that I had to share my mom with everyone because everyone
claimed she was their best friend. The truth is, they were all right. Deb had a heart big enough to
make every person she met feel like family. She remembered your name, your story, your favorite
things, and somehow always knew exactly what would make you smile. She celebrated your
victories, carried your burdens, and showed up whenever you needed her.

Family was the center of her world. She treasured every gathering, every holiday, every race
weekend, every porch conversation, and every chance to bring the people she loved together.
She never arrived empty-handed, rarely left a store without buying a thoughtful gift for someone
else, and found her greatest joy in making others happy. Giving wasn’t something she thought
about—it was simply the way she loved.

Even during her battle with cancer, Deb chose joy. She smiled through chemotherapy, looked
forward to visiting with her nurses, enjoyed a good cheeseburger while receiving chemo, and
never stopped thinking about the people around her. Her courage was quiet, her faith was steady,
and her love never wavered.

Deb may have been tiny in stature, but she was mighty in every way that mattered. She leaves
behind not only a grieving family, but an entire community of people whose lives are better
because they knew her. Her legacy is not measured by the years she lived, but by the countless
hearts she changed. She was deeply loved, she loved deeply, and she will be missed beyond
words.