Deborah Ann Willis

Deborah Ann Hooten Willis, age 69, passed from this life on May 18, 2026, at home surrounded by family. Born on July 21, 1956, she was the beloved daughter of Joanne Dodson Hooten and the late William “Bill” Hooten.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Bills-McGaugh & Hamilton Funeral Home with Bro. Jack Long officiating. Burial will follow at Lone Oak Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. until the service time at the funeral home.

Debbie was preceded in death by her father, Bill Hooten; her maternal grandparents, Willie Wilkes and Evelyn Secrest Dodson; and her paternal grandparents, Wilson Paul and Anna Mai Holder Hooten.

She leaves behind her devoted husband of 39 years, William “Sonny” Willis; her mother, Joanne Hooten; sisters, Sharon Luttrell and Jennifer Osborne; brothers, Barry (Cynda) Hooten, Steve (Carrie) Hooten, and Keith (Mindy) Hooten; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

Debbie attended Mooresville School during her childhood years and graduated from Marshall County High School in 1974, where she was an avid cheerleader. Following graduation, she attended Nashville Barber School and became a Master Barber. She worked alongside her aunt Geraldine Dodson at Family Haircare before later opening Hairport Styling with her sister, Jennifer Osborne. Debbie spent 45 years serving the community as a barber before retiring in 2021. Following her retirement, she became a cherished part of the family at Bills-McGaugh & Hamilton Funeral Home, where her kindness, compassion, and willingness to help others touched both the staff and the families she served.

Debbie and Sonny owned a farm in the Berlin community for many years before moving to Lewisburg, where they continued building a life centered on faith and family.

Outside of work, Debbie found joy in gardening, canning vegetables she grew, and tending her beautiful flowers. She enjoyed yearly beach trips to Destin, day trips exploring Tennessee, and “junkin’” for treasures. She often out fished her husband on their many fishing trips.

Her greatest passion was serving the Lord and caring for others. Debbie was a faithful and active member of Farmington Baptist Church and dedicated much of her life to ministry and missions. She participated in several mission trips, including serving in Appalachia, Alaska, and Africa. Her servant’s heart and unwavering faith touched countless lives.

Above all, Debbie adored her family. She was like a second mother to her nieces and nephews, always offering guidance, support, encouragement, and even a cooking lesson. The lives of all who knew and loved her will remain forever touched by her presence.

The staff of Bills-McGaugh & Hamilton Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of our beloved friend Debbie Willis.