of Little Rock, AR
October 18, 1953 - September 23, 2024
Debra ''Debbie'' Kay Hill was born in Searcy on October 18, 1953 and grew up in Bald Knob. She died on September 23, 2024 in Little Rock.
Debbie is survived by her loving daughters, Sarah Bruner (Kyle), Anna Hill, Elizabeth Bingham (Andy) and Mary Claire Imbro (Daniel). She is also survived by her grandson, William Bruner and two grandchildren on the way. Debbie is also survived by her siblings, Billy Whitley (Kelly), Susan Cox (Richard), Rick Whitley (Holly) and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Tom Hill and her treasured parents, W.C. and Montine Whitley.
Debbie's life was defined by a deep faith in Jesus and care for others. She had a remarkable way with people, always making them feel special and loved. She loved life and found joy in every moment. Her gentle strength was anchored in her trust in the Lord. Debbie's greatest joy in life was being a mother to her ''four precious girls''.
Debbie's love for her family was unmatched. She and Tom treasured being parents and loved and served their daughters exceptionally. Debbie provided a safe place for her daughters to be themselves and grow into the women God designed them to be. She gave them a beautiful childhood and filled their lives with adventure, wonder and laughter. Debbie was a dedicated sister, daughter, wife, mother, friend and grandmother. She is deeply loved and will be dearly missed.
Debbie had many gifts and shared them generously. Her beautiful alto voice was a blessing to many through choirs, "Doo Wah Sisters" performances and the vocal team at Fellowship Bible Church. As a music teacher and volunteer musical director, she gave hundreds of students the gifts of her talents, attention and encouragement. Her daughters benefited most of all from this, with so many cherished memories of singing around the piano while Debbie played.
A friend to anyone she met, Debbie was surrounded by a lifetime of dear friends, for whom she cared deeply. Her welcoming and warm spirit was a remarkable gift. Her ready laugh put others at ease. Debbie's leadership in the Fellowship ''singles group,'' women's Bible studies and community groups over the years made a lasting impact on so many people. Debbie was a faithful prayer warrior.
Debbie graduated from Bald Knob High School, Hendrix College and Southern Methodist University.
Services will be held on Friday, September 27th at Fellowship Bible Church, 1401 Kirk Rd. Visitation from noon-1:30 p.m., funeral service at 2:00 p.m. with Brandon Barnard officiating.
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38 Condolence(s)
Becky Rills
Sunday, October 20, 2024
Your mom was a wonderful person and I am so sorry for your loss, but I know she and your dad are together. They were both very special! I had known them since we were in the singles group at FBC. I was out of town when she passed away so I missed her funeral. My prayers are with you girls and your families. Love Becky
Bailey (Broach) Parette
Sunday, October 13, 2024
I have such a sweet memory of Debbie playing piano for a musical in high school. I didn't come from a musical family and I'm not sure what led me to join the school musical my freshman year... But I do remember Debbie accompanying us in several rehearsals. She was so kind and encouraging - and very talented! I'm so grateful she gifted her time and talents to us. Sending my love and prayers to the Hill family.
Valerie Morris Wells
Monday, October 7, 2024
Debbie and I were friends and carpool buddies when we taught together at Sylvan Hills Junior High School. It was such a treat to see her sunny smile the first thing in the morning. Debbie was sweet, kind, and caring. Prayers for her family. She was a special lady.
Glenn A. Spung & Norma j. spung
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Glenn and I have been blessed by Debbie's life and ministry to the Lord. Now we are thankful she has received her reward. We pray her family will receive God's comfort and strength to carry on her legacy in Jesus our Lord.
Norma and Glenn Spung
Teresa Whitley
Friday, September 27, 2024
The Choir of Angels just added another member. In addition to her beautiful voice, Debbie leaves a legacy of so many special attributes. She was very special to me. May the girls, family and friends be comforted with peace and the reminder of so many sweet memories.
Julia Robinson
Friday, September 27, 2024
My kindest condolences to all of Debbie’s sweet family. I never had a more loving friend. I miss her terribly, but find peace knowing she is in her eternal heavenly home.
Dale Turrentine
Friday, September 27, 2024
May you all feel the arms of God wrapped around you during this painful time. Thank you for keeping us informed on CareBridge as we prayed for you all. I met Debbie in 1984 at FBC singles group. I sang with her in the choir and watched the phenomenal love she and Tom had for you girls and the rest of us. I had talked with her recently after one you had lived with her and just moved back to your home. She was filled with the peace of God even though she was missing you and your dad. She always exuberantly reflected the presence of God’s impact on your life both in joyful times and lonely time. I see her in all of you. Prayers lifted up.
Mandy Griffin
Friday, September 27, 2024
I feel blessed to have met Debbie. She was so kind and made me feel comfortable and special. Sometimes you just need someone to hold your hand. That was Debbie. I love her and will deeply miss her. I send my condolences to her family.
Kelsi Rusher
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Oh my sweet Deb, I love you so much! I know you’re at peace now with your husband. I know he was so happy to be reunited with you and to see that beautiful smile of yours! I’m so thankful I met you and your beautiful family. prayers for the girls and their family!
Skip Sanford, shelley Sanford
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Debbie was among the kindest people I have known. I'd go next door to the Methodist Church and she'd give me voice lessons. So many fine people from the Whitley family. She will be missed.
Caylee Stefanek
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Mrs. Debbie. Distinguished by her faith and intentionality. I know her spirit will continue to impact, guide, and influence for generations to come. She has sowed seeds that cannot be moved! You girls were so well loved, and we grieve with you. Love you all!!
Rebekka Nickols
Thursday, September 26, 2024
praying for your entire family, I did not know Debbie personally, but can clearly see she was well-loved and such a treasure to all who knew her.
Janie Darr
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
What a beautiful life your mother lived. She was kind, loving and caring to you girls and everyone she knew. She will be greatly missed by everyone, but her sweet spirit will live on in all of you and her precious grandchildren. My love, prayers, and deepest sympathy are with you.
Christina Ehemann Certain
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
I only knew your Mom from a distance. I was at many a service where she was part of the worship team on stage at FBC.
However, people around me who did speak of her had only good things to say. Many similar to the words of those written above.
I benefited from the legacy & legwork of both your parents at Fellowship Bible Church.
May the God of ALL Comfort give you peace beyond your understanding as you journey through this loss. I pray there is much laughter amidst the tears as you share your memories with each other.
Richard&Elizabeth Scott
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
A light has gone out with her passing but we rejoice over her eternal joy and health being now experienced in the arms of her dear Savior. Prayers for comfort, peace and strength for her family. We were Hendrix Choir mates and I never knew of anyone who did not love/ admire this pure and gentle soul. All who encountered her were the richer for it. Rest in peace sweet friend and rise in glory with your beloved Tom.
Carolyn Faver
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Debbie and I worked at Fellowship at the same time and I loved her. Her great laughter will always be in my heart! We loved your Dad too!
On our return move home from Charlotte, NC, they welcomed us by coming to your house for dinner - with all of you girls lined up to sing for us! What a blessing!
Melissa Davis Boyster
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
I remember Debbie when I was a little girl who lived across the street. My favorite memory of Debbie was when she would come home to visit, I would go over to see her, she was just a precioid person. She would play the piano and sing for me. One of the songs I remember the most was In My Fathefs Eyes by Amy Grant. Prayers for all of you girls, you were blessed to have a precious momma.
Jake Talbert
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
What a gift Debbie Hill was to countless individuals. In college I was blessed so many times by Debbie kindly and generously opening her home. Her impact will surely carry on, and her reward in heaven is great. I’m so thankful for her investment in her daughters who have been such great friends to me over the years. I rejoice knowing Debbie is reunited with Tom in the presence of the Creator and grieve with her family and friends on earth. Love and comfort to Anna, Elizabeth, Mary Claire, and Sarah. Praying God’s peace over you all.
Amanda
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
I am a stranger to you but have been following Debbie's story from day 1. A friend of a friend connected me to this story because my dad went through an extremely similar medical situation so I have been relating to you all every step of the way, and praying so so hard for your strength throughout this journey.
I want to remind you that your moms character will always live on because of you, the strong women that she raised. She is you, and you are her. I just know you are her biggest joy and you have been such an amazing example of love. I hope it inspires families all over the world to have a selfless love like you have displayed, and that in turn will even bring some to Jesus.
Praying for you in your very hardest days.
Amanda Vela (sister of Mitchell Meeker)
Sarah Bowden
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
“Precious in the sight of God is the death of his saints.” Psalms 116:15
She will be missed but her legacy continues in the lives of her daughters!
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Melanie Boutiette
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
What a precious and gentle soul Debbie was and still is now in Heaven. Her reward is great: such a lover of Jesus and people!
Marka Bennett
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
As a member of a prayer group with Debbie’s sister-in-law Kelly, I was touched even distantly by Debbie’s life of faithfulness in the reports from Kelly and the descriptions of who Debbie was and the life she led. I’m so sorry for her passing and the trauma of these last months. May God bless her whole family as they navigate this great loss in their lives.
Kathy Cobb
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
A life well lived is what I think of when I remember Debbie Hill. Big welcoming smile and kind heart.
Becky Calhoun
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Thinking about the love and legacy you have because of your beloved family. Much love to you all.
Ric and Becky Calhoun
Joanna’s mom and dad
Lisa Fischer
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
I loved Debbie Hill so much. I had so much respect for her. She was one of the kindest people I ever met. She loved to laugh, too. She was so humble even raising four spectacular young women where she never took any credit. She was a treasure to Tom Hill, and he was to her. I'm sad for the Hill family but rejoicing that she isn't suffering anymore and she is with Jesus and reunited with Tom.
John Meckfessel
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Kathryn W Searcy
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
I first met Debbie and Tom as we began the single’s ministry at FBC in the 1980’s, I think. What a genuine treasure Debbie has always been, ready to listen and visit, ready to serve, and always welcoming. I miss her already. Praying for you all as we know there was a great heavenly reunion. When His time for us arrives, there will be an awesome welcome for each one of the precious Hill daughters and grandchildren. I am thankful God gave us the gift of Debbie, and will be forever thankful for our friendship. Praying for each one of you.
Gail Wilson
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
I remember fondly the years Debbie and I sang together in the worship team and choir at FBC. She was always such a joy and a precious soul. What a deep hole will be left in our hearts with her home going. Praying deep peace and strength for her girls and family.
Keith Allred
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
I love Tom and Debbie so much. They were great parents. Tom and Debbie led the singles group at Fellowship Bible church for years.
Debbie Lucien
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
What wonderful memories I have of her & Tom, their exceptional and loving leadership in the singles ministry and how openly they shared their lives. What a legacy!
Valerie Brackman
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Debbie will always be in my heart. Debbie and I have been life long friends. It was always fun to spend time with Fran, Cindy Terri and many more. We had fun !!! I will always cherish my childhood memories.
Her giving heart, beautiful smile will never be forgotten. Love and prayers to all of you. Debbie will be your guardian angel and definitely will watch over those precious grandchildren. Love, Val
Catherine Bostwick
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Hill Sisters - I just wanted to let you know that I love you! Your mom was always so sweet to me growing up. I think of my own mother and put myself in your shoes - I can only imagine the pain and sadness you have been going through. I am praying for you, that Creator God is able to transmute your pain into love and that you receive the exact support you need as you heal. I express gratitude for you mom's life and for each of you that she birthed! Again, I am sending you love. I know we don't talk much but I really am here if you need a friend to talk to.
- Cat
Arthur Paul Bowen
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
I was so terribly sorry to get the news of Debbie’s passing last night. My deepest sympathy to the family but especially to Susan and Mary Claire.
John Mertz
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Such a talented and loving lady. I remember the joy you had singing and playing the piano. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Debbie Hill Norman
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Debbie and I always shared our joy by having the same name! Debbie Hill! Mine by birth and hers by marriage! We decided Tom and I had to be cousins! She always glowed with her love of Jesus Christ! She will be missed by her family and many friends!
Gena Fielder
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
We sure will miss our sweet neighbor and friend. She personified love and we are fortunate to have known her. We hope knowing others are keeping you in their thoughts and prayers will help you during this sad time. Love The Fielders
Mary Jenkins
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
May Gods spirit comfort you with warm memories
Gary Burrow
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Most kind and loving person I have ever known.
You were greatly loved and will be missed by so many.