Debra Joseph Obituary
Debbie was born on February 23, 1965, in Peoria, IL, to Edmund and Mary Jane (Corey) Joseph.
Survivors include her daughter, Jacqueline Corey Weeks of Plano, Texas, and son Joseph Alexander Weeks of Dunlap; sisters Pamela (Dan) Kouri of Peoria, and Tammy Joseph of East Peoria; nephews Daniel (Caitlin) Kouri, Jr., Joseph Kouri, and Louis (Mary Beth) Kouri: niece, Jennifer (Hamish) Weerasinghe; and great-niece, Julia Jane Weerasinghe.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Edmund and Mary Jane Joseph.
Debbie earned her Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies from Augustana College and a Master's Degree in Education from Lewis University. Debbie stepped away from her career to raise her children - her greatest passion. As Debbie's children and God came first and foremost in her life, Debbie's faith in God was unshakable despite the hardships she endured for many years.
She had a great capacity to love. Through Debbie's charm, wit, gentle heart, devotion to God, love of life, and mischievous ways, she established lifelong friendships and was a role model to those around her. Debbie had an uncanny ability to connect individuals as she molded new friendships between those with diverse backgrounds who would not have been connected without Debbie's intervention. In addition, Debbie loved her Lebanese cousins, Augustana friends, and activities such as writing children's books, taking photographs, and enjoying sweet treats.
Debbie's family extends their heartfelt appreciation to her care team: Nurses Caring for People, Interim Healthcare, OSF Hospice, and Amy L. The exceptional nurses, CNAs, and support staff provided Debbie with expert care and love. The family is also grateful for the years of love and support from Debbie's neighbors, friends, and extended family members.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Peoria, IL. Visitations will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM; and at 10:00 AM, one hour prior to Thursday's mass, at Holy Family Catholic Church. A Rosary will follow the Wednesday evening visitation. Burial rites will be held at Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Center for Prevention of Abuse, Rock Steady Boxing-Peoria, or Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
Friends and family may view the full obituary and sign the online guestbook by logging onto www.wrightandsalmon.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Philip D. Witkop, MD
December 29, 2023
We knew Debbie as the sweet, fun-loving, sensitive, caring individual who brought a lot of joy to our experiences at Augustana College and beyond. You all have had quite the journey with her the last several years. We are reassured through God's Word that she continues on in a new joyous experience, released to heaven with her loving Lord and Savior, Jesus, whose birth, life, death and Resurrection serves as a living ongoing, relationship affirming reminder of the ongoing love He has for all.
Erica miller
December 28, 2023
I'm so sorry for your loss Marcus, your children, family and all those who loved Debbie.
Jennifer Abraham
December 27, 2023
I was Debbie's caregiver on 3rd shifts she was such a joy to take care of .She always had a way of putting a smile on my face.She was an inspiration to me for her strength I looked up to her so much.Me and her grew a special bond since the day I started taking care of her.She was the sweetest lady to be around she made me feel like I was family.I will miss her so much Jenny
Marci Goodale
December 25, 2023
Debbie was the kindest, most faithful person I've ever known. We bonded when our daughters became best friends and we quickly realized we both shared a strong desire to run hard after Jesus. Her faith in the face of her disease was unshakable and inspirational. I loved our time spent together when she visited us in Florida and all the laughter we shared. I'm so happy for you, sweet Debbie, dancing in Heaven with our Father. Marci, Jeff, Alex and Jami Goodale
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
2416 N. North Street, Peoria, IL 61604
Make a Donation
in Debra Joseph's name
People and places connected with Debra
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Debra's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Debra Joseph's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
