Debra "Debbie" Kay McWilliams

Debra “Debbie” Kay McWilliams, 72, passed away at Lakeside Senior Center in Emmetsburg on September 18, 2025. She was born Belmond, Iowa on December 11, 1952 and is the daughter of Merle and Janet (Craig) Hicks.

Debbie’s family was her everything. She treasured every opportunity to spend time together and worked tirelessly to create lasting memories. Whether planning family vacations or organizing trips to places like Colorado and Arizona, she made sure that family was always at the heart of everything she did. While she wasn’t the best cook in the family, she was always eager to try new recipes or lend a helping hand whenever she could.

She had a playful spirit and a special love for all things Mickey and Minnie Mouse, a reflection of her joyful and lighthearted nature. A breast cancer survivor, she faced life’s challenges with quiet strength and determination. Through it all, she remained easygoing, a good listener, and someone whose big heart and infectious smile made everyone feel at ease. She found joy in the little things — a crossword puzzle, a good conversation, or simply being surrounded by those she loved. Her kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for her family will live on in the memories she helped create.

Those left to cherish Debbie’s memory include her loving husband of almost 26 years, Francis McWilliams; son Jim (Tonya) Lamb; step-daughters Jodi (Jeff) Elbert and Michelle Chinberg; grandchildren Haley (Nick) Gross, Brandon (Beth) Lamb, Austin (Mandy) Lamb, Corey (Sierra) Elbert, Caige (Emily) Elbert, and Cloey (Cole) Wegener as well 11 great grandchildren; sisters Patti (Joe) Ford and Shelly (Will) Sutton and many nieces and nephews.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Merle Hicks and Janet Craig; sister Diana Silliman; brother Terry Silliman; and grandmother Erma Dolph


A celebration of life will be held at the Mitchellville American Legion, 111 Center Ave. S., Mitchellville, Iowa at 2:00 pm Friday, September 26th.

Debra will be laid to rest at a private family graveside at Mitchellville Cemetery in Mitchellville, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in memory of Debbie.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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