Debbie Jo Anderson

Deborah (Debbie) Jo Anderson passed away peacefully on October 23, 2021, at age 70, surrounded by family and friends. She was born in Herrin on September 27, 1951, the daughter of Robert Dean and Mary Helen (Houghlan) Anderson. Debbie lived life to the fullest and loved spending time with family and many friends while residing most of her life in Herrin, Illinois, with a few years in Fort Myers, Florida. Debbie graduated with a master’s degree in education from SIU-Carbondale and attended McKendree College. Debbie had a passion for her friends with developmental disabilities and people with special needs. This was witnessed by her commitment and work as an owner of Pathway House, in Herrin and Johnston City, Illinois.

Debbie touched the lives of many in Southern Illinois through her work, life-long friendships, good sense of humor and her infectious and unique laughter. She loved life and the many blessings that came along with it. Debbie enjoyed going out dancing, Mo-Town music, playing guitar, karaoke, boating and water skiing, beach days, travelling, shopping, being a perfectionist with her hair and make-up and loved the Veterans at the VFW. She spent time as an educator/teacher and found her true calling working with and helping those with special needs and supporting her family and friends with her genuine caring, giving and outgoing personality. 

Survivors include her sister Verna Webb and Bill Hunziker of DeSoto

Aunt- Jo Ann Keller of Anna

Cousins- Lynda and Thomas Wheeler of Buckner

    Cindy Casey of West Frankfort

    Tim Dotson of Nashville

    Robin and Connie Dotson of Marion

    Denise and Donnie Pippins of Anna

    Jimmy and Norine Keller of Anna

    Diana and Jacob Alley of Anna

    Tommy and Kim Davis of Sherrills Ford, NC

    Beverly and Rick Tweedy of Anna

    Matt and Tracy Chamness of Anna

    Nancy Davis of Anna

Lisa and Kurt Endebrock of Kettering, Ohio

Robin and Craig Lester of Herrin

Jay Anderson of West Des Moines, Iowa

Kevin Anderson of Carterville

Numerous 2nd, 3rd, and 4th cousins and many cousins around Southern Illinois, NC, FL, Ohio, and Iowa.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents Robert Dean and Mary Helen (Houghlan) Anderson of Herrin, and infant twin sons William Shane and Robert Shawn Nolen.

Memorial services will be held at 1pm on Friday, November 5, 2021 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Inurnment will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held from 10am-1pm on Friday, November 5, 2021 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home. Everyone is invited to the Herrin American Legion following services, to continue the celebration of Debbie's life.

For more information, or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are requested to the Herrin Park Board for accessible playground equipment for our friends with disabilities to enjoy and may be mailed to the Herrin Park District- Donations; PO Box 130; Herrin, IL 62948.