Debra Lynn Quillman, age 63, passed from this world to the next on September 19, 2023. She was born on June 11, 1960, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Wilmot Gary Quillman and Joann Evelyn Quillman. Debra is survived by her partner, Bill Killingsworth; her sister, Gail Quillman Vidrine; her brother, Steven Quillman; and many other family and friends.
Debra was a woman of many talents. With her siblings, she co-authored a book on her mother’s paintings. She dearly loved everything about her mother’s art, and she had hoped to complete a more detailed book. With her beautiful voice, Debra loved music— singing (she sang at Gail and Malcolm’s wedding), writing songs, and playing music of all kinds.
She had special relationships with her nephews and nieces— Malcolm (Macky), Daniel, and Caroline— and more recently, with Caroline’s daughter, Charlotte— her grand-niece. When Debra arrived, they knew they were going to have a party!
Debra earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in music from Nicholls State University in Thibideau, Louisiana, in the mid-1980s. Later, she earned a Master’s degree in social work/counseling from Northeast Louisiana State University (now University of Louisiana-Monroe). Debra was a great adventure partner, always ready to help out, whether that help involved chopping firewood, pruning muscadines, or getting Bill’s old truck unstuck from a muddy track in the wild woods of Okolona. She was a warrior in this life, fighting a courageous, seven-year-long battle against cancer. Her strength and raw perseverance were an inspiration to those around her. Debra is reunited now with her beloved mother and father. May her soul find peace and rest now, at home with her heavenly Father.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at Weir Cemetery at Okolona.
No visitation is planned.
Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit http://www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.
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