Our Caring Team
At Bills-McGaugh & Hamilton, our team is here to support you with care, compassion, and respect. Each staff member brings experience, empathy, and a deep sense of dedication to helping families honor their loved ones in a meaningful way. We believe in the importance of personal, thoughtful service—and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way. Take a moment to meet the people who are honored to serve you and your family.
Dawn Welch
Funeral Home Manager | Licensed Funeral Director
Dawn Welch
Funeral Home Manager | Licensed Funeral Director
Dawn was born and raised in Marshall County and is a proud graduate of Cornersville High School, Class of 2000. She is the loving mother of four and a proud grandmother, cherishing every moment she gets to spend with her children and grandchildren. Dawn’s natural empathy and desire to help others led her to the funeral profession…a calling she feels deeply connected to. For her, being able to sit with a grieving family and offer even a flicker of comfort is a powerful way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Hayden Pate
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Hayden Pate
Licensed Funeral Director & Embalmer
Coming Soon
Debbie Willis
In Loving Memory
Debbie Willis
In Loving Memory
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.
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.
Elaina Davenport
Funeral Assistant
Elaina Davenport
Funeral Assistant
Elaina is a native of Columbia and a loving mother of three with a deep passion for serving families in their time of need. As a devoted funeral assistant, she is committed to providing compassionate care and support to those she serves. Elaina is currently attending Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service to further her education in mortuary science and continue growing in her profession. In her free time, she enjoys painting and expressing her creativity through art.
Taylor Richardson
Funeral Assistant | Care Team Specialist
Taylor Richardson
Funeral Assistant | Care Team Specialist
Coming Soon