Deborah L Williams

Born and raised on 94th Street in Evergreen Park, IL, Debbie pursued a passion for organ performance, music education, and choral conducting at the Chicago Musical College at Roosevelt University, which led her to a fulfilling career. She spent over forty years as both a teacher and administrator at Chicago Public Schools; and over 50 years as a church musician and choir director. Debbie believed every student could be led to their dreams. She cherished the role she played in building community through group music; and she felt incredible privilege to help families choose music for services from baptisms to funerals. She especially loved planning and playing weddings!

She was formerly married to Walter Shalda, and together they raised five daughters (lovingly known as her "ungrateful bitches") on that same block of 94th Street. Elise (Tony), Rachel (Christopher), Hillary (Marcus), Whitney (Brett), and Samantha (Mohamed) were her biggest sources of pride; and they inspired most of the shouting that made your ears ring at all hours.

They, along with her greatest treasures - 10 grandchildren - survive her. She poured everything she had into loving Cecilia, Vincent, Lucas, Christian, Sydney, Theodore, Wais, Kinsi, Hali, and Desmond. She loved to keep them busy - taking them shopping, to the theater and other cultural experiences, and really just to get into any kind of fun. She particularly enjoyed driving us all nuts with her own theatrics over making them Halloween costumes and any other elaborate project she cooked up. Anything they wanted, she made happen. These are the moments and people she cherished that will go with her wherever her journey takes her.

She is preceded in death by her most beloved son-in-law, Ben.

Even through dementia Popo was fierce, busy, and sardonic. She was full of love, even if her love language was rich in cussing and yelling or if she couldn't quite figure out how to show it.

In her final year, Popo found family at Artis Senior Living in Woodbury, MN. Her family extends its deepest gratitude and love to each and every person who loved her, assisted her, cared for her, laughed, cried, and sang with her, and exuded patience with her so she could feel valued and happy to the end. These are the connections that made her life worthwhile.

While we feel deep sorrow and pain from her passing, we are comforted knowing that Popo is back in control.

Please join family and friends for a Visitation on Sunday, May 4th, 2025 from 4-8pm at Blake Lamb Funeral Home, Oak Lawn, IL. A Funeral Mass will take place at 10am on Monday, May 5th, 2025, located at Christ The King Catholic Church, 9235 S Hamilton Ave, Chicago, IL 60643. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Evergreen Park, IL