Debbie Duncan Reed

Debbie Duncan Reed, 58, of Quincy, passed away at home on January 04, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. Debbie was born to mother Linda Mary Duncan and father John David Duncan. From an early age she cultivated a love of reading, learning, and established a strong sense of community, all of which only grew throughout her life. Debbie attended Unity High School and stayed busy with an abundance of extra-curriculars including band, sports, along with raising and selling Christmas trees for 4-H. She was later crowned Adams County Pork Queen in honor of her work supporting Illinois Pork Producers. Following high school, Debbie earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communication from Drake University and married Dr. Brennan Reed, with whom she just celebrated 38 years of marriage.

At the start of their marriage, they lived in St. Louis while Brennan was completing his residency. Debbie began her non-profit career working with the American Lung Association. Following Brennan's residency, they moved back to Quincy where Debbie created her own marketing and publishing firm, The DDR Group. Although she enjoyed her stint in entrepreneurship, her passion for helping people lead her back to the world of non-profits.

It was at this time she began her 30-year career at Chaddock, supporting children in need.

During her journey with Chaddock, Debbie worked her way up from Director of Marketing to President/CEO and combined her non-profit and entrepreneurship experience to expand Chaddock's mission. She played a pivotal role in achieving major milestones at Chaddock including building a LEAD certified cottage, the new Chaddock School, the Carthage school, and the Knowledge Center at Chaddock. Debbie was as devoted to Chaddock as Chaddock was to her.

Through her professional career, Debbie also managed to earn her Master of Arts in Leadership from Bellevue University in 2006 and her Doctor of Philosophy in Organization Leadership from Concordia University in 2021. She used her love of learning to positively impact those around her. Debbie also shared her passion for leadership through her blog, "Reed about Leadership" and authored the 2 books, "Attachment Theory in Action" and "Raising the Challenging Child".

She had national and international impact in leadership roles through the United Methodist Association where she was recently featured as a keynote speaker and was honored with the UMA Mission Award. She was also a lifelong member of the Ellington Presbyterian Church, contributing to the church session, the Vacation Bible School experience, and countless church dinners. Recently, she was recognized in the local community with the KHQA Hometown Hero Award and the YWCA Woman of Impact. Debbie also brought her head, hands, heart, and health to support youth in the community as a leader of the Ellington Hilltoppers 4-H Club. Debbie was honored for her works with the Dale Donley 4-H Leader of the Year Award.

Although Debbie's known to the world for her accomplishments in the non-profit and leadership fields, her family was always a top priority. Debbie shared her life with her husband Brennan and sons Tanner and Landon. Others still with us today are (mother) Linda Duncan, (brother) Doug and Kim Duncan, (sister) Donna and Mike Jansen, (brother-in-law) Brian and Mary Jo Reed along with many nephews. She is preceded in death by (father) John (David) Duncan. Family remembers her most for trips to the cabin, icing sugar cookies every Christmas, reading books in the library on a rainy day, and her never-ending patience.

In her final years, Debbie fought a battle with cancer showing grace and grit. While she may have lost her battle with cancer, her legacy and impact live on. She viewed life through rosy-glasses and always looked for opportunities to help people in need and solve problems. In her 58 years of life, Debbie made the most of every moment, always finding time for friends and family, traveling, and investing in her community. She was rarely seen sitting still… unless a book was in-hand. Debbie was driven by those who underestimated her. This spirit was infectious to those in her life. She believed she could, so she did.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation that will be Tuesday, January 9, 2024, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Ellington Memorial Presbyterian Church in Quincy, IL. A funeral ceremony will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at the Ellington Memorial Presbyterian Church in Quincy. O'Donnell-Cookson Life Celebration Home is handling the arrangements. Pastor Ron Cox and Pastor Jerry Douglas will officiate. Burial will follow at Ellington Cemetery in Quincy.

Online condolences may be shared and video tribute may be viewed at www.ODonnellCookson.com.