Deborah Jean Meador

Deborah Jean "Deb" Meador, 74, of Mount Carroll, passed away peacefully Sunday, August 31, 2025 at Pearl Pavilion Nursing Center in Freeport, Illinois. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and determination. Despite being legally blind, Deb lived a vibrant life filled with passion and joy.

Deb was born January 15, 1951 in Sterling, Illinois, the daughter of Gene and Betty (Cavanaugh) Hicks. A graduate of Mount Carroll Community High School with the Class of 1969, and later earning an Associate's Degree from Highland Community College at age 52, Deb demonstrated her commitment to lifelong learning. She spent many years working in local restaurants starting at the age of 15 at Pauley’s Cafe, then Dot’s Café, Myrna's Café, Sieverts, all of Mt. Carroll and the Pearl City Café and Amber Lights in Pearl City. Chances are if you ate at one of these restaurants, Deb may have waited on you. She touched countless lives.

Deb raised a son and daughter, Brian and Tammy. She fell in love three times and enjoyed her marriages to Robert Smith in 1969, Billy Edwards in 1973, and William Meador in 2023. Deb always remained hopeful with a positive energy.

Deb was creative, finding joy in cross-stitching and crocheting. She was an active member of the Lioness Club in Pearl City, and the Mt. Carroll Church of God where she participated in bible study. Her greatest pride was her family - her children Brian and Tammy, her grandchildren, and her beloved great-grandchildren. She enjoyed talking to family and friends and spent many hours catching up. She was a supportive and caring mother.

Deb is survived by her children, Brian (Audra) Smith of Colorado Springs, CO and Tammy (Jeff) Clubb of Monroe Center, Illinois; five grandchildren, Hunter and Andrew (Ava) Smith, Samantha, (Rusty) Rose, Brandon (Kotah) Clubb and Jessica (Maurice) Griffith; two great grandsons, Malahki and Ameille Griffith; two sisters, Penny (Terry) Edwards of Thomson and Paula (Frank) Easton of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; one brother, Ben (Donna) Buikema of Wisconsin; and Aunt Shirley Hastings of Savanna. Deb is preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Susan Johnson; and a nephew, Rusty Edwards. She will be remembered for her strength, creativity, and the unconditional love she shared with her family.

A celebration of life gathering will be held 11am – 1pm Friday, September 5th, 2025 at the Law Jones Funeral Home, Savanna, with a service at 1pm. Burial will be in Lower York Cemetery, Thomson.