Deborah Sue Walker

Deb was born on March 7, 1947, at Brokaw Hospital in Normal, IL, to Richard L and Frances Berkshire Hayworth. She grew up in a loving home and had many wonderful memories of playing with neighborhood children. Deb’s father was a postman and Deb and her sisters would greet their Dad at the end of his workday, down the street from their home and Richard would scoop up Deb’s baby sister, Jan, and put her in his empty mailbag, and they would walk home together to a wonderful sit down, hot dinner that Deb’s mom had prepared. They would pray together, then eat supper and discuss the days events. As a child, Deb would go downtown Normal to the velvet freeze for a special treat. She had many stories of her youth and the beautiful times the family would gather together with friends and share a meaningful time together when life was simpler.

Deb graduated with the class of 1965 at Normal Community High School, where she made many life-long friends. When in school, Deb took part in the Girl's Athletic Association and loved gym class, where she spent many hours on the parallel bars. She also took part in many musical events at school using her beautiful voice.

In addition to her parents, Deb was preceded in death by her husband, James "Jim" Edwin Walker; a brother-in-law, Gerald LaVoie; a nephew, Jeffery; a great-nephew, Marcus. Near death, Deb found much comfort in knowing she would see her family and many dear friends who passed before her in heaven.

She leaves behind Amy Adelman, her loving companion who shared a life with Deb for many blessed years. Other survivors include her sisters, Karen LaVoie and Janice (Earl) Grim, both of Bloomington; nieces, Jackie (Bud) Curtis and Sara (Reid) Shadday; nephews, Brian (Pam) LaVoie and Marc (Diann) Grim and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Also left to cherish Deb's memory are Amy’s sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, two great-nieces and many dear friends.

Deb did not let her own disability of having epilepsy get in the way of having a beautiful and meaningful life. From an early age, Deb found joy by accepting Jesus into her heart, and from singing. She won several awards in high school with her God given gift. When she was working as a CNA at Mennonite Hospital, the music therapist, Deanna Edwards, would grab Deb’s hand and say "Come sing with me" and off she went to brighten someone’s day.

She also joined the Sweet Adeline’s Bloomington chapter in the 1970’s under the direction of Liz, a friendship that remained strong over the years. Liz shared her beautiful voice with Deb as she sang to her over the phone in Deb’s final hours of life. Deb later joined the Peoria Heart of Illinois Chorus in the 1980’s. The chorus competed every year and they always sang their hearts out and placed medals many years. She also sang with a quartet called Vital Sounds, that included three of her best friends, as well as the chorus. Deb is now up in heaven singing in the most beautiful choirs she could ever find.

Deb worked in the medical field for many years where she met one of her long-time friends, Elizabeth Lusher. They worked at Mennonite together and had a 55-year long friendship. She later worked for OSF Hospital until she was unable to work due to medical reasons. Deb then enjoyed volunteering, which was an important part of her life.

In her younger years, Deb and Jim enjoyed boating on the Illinois river and were members of the Order of Eastern Star #50. Jim passed away on August 29, 1992.

Deb and Amy had many activities in their life together; they enjoyed watching movies, cross stitching, and other forms of needle work with a group of other stitchers and lifelong friends. Together, they attended many stitching workshops and the annual Counted Cross Stitch competition at Rockome Gardens in Arthur, IL, for many years. They took many trips to Door County Wisconsin, and Lake Barkley Lodge in Kentucky with Amy’s family.

Following Deb’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. Her memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at East Lawn Funeral Home, 1102 Airport Road, Bloomington, where visitation will begin at 11:00 am, please join us in celebrating Deb’s life on what would have been her 79th Birthday. Please dress in casual attire and if you wish, wear something with the Chicago Bears, Bumble Bees, or a ball cap or hat in her honor.

A private inurnment will take place at East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington at a later date.

In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Deb's honor to: The Miracle League of Central Illinois, 421 Kays Drive Normal, IL 61761. As many of you know, Deb played softball in her 20’s with the “MENNONITES”, a team she played on when working for Mennonite Hospital. In her dream to coach softball, an opportunity arose and Deb's wish came true. She proudly coached the Hawks for the Miracle League, even after her cancer diagnosis. Deb coached with her heart and treated everyone with kindness and respect for several years and made many beautiful, wonderful friends.

Please share your condolences and memories with the family at www.eastlawnmemorial.com.