Debra Jo Tillman

God gained his toughest Angel when Debra Jo Tillman left this earthly realm on
June 7th, 2026. She was surrounded with love, and is at peace.

Born February 14, 1964 in Pascagoula, Mississippi to Judge Henry Level Tillman
and Betty Jo Robertson Tillman, Debra was a force of nature from her first minute to her
last. Every person she met knew where they stood with her. “If you know what I mean.”
Her favorite screensaver was a picture of her plugging her ears (in diapers) while her
lovingly-exasperated Dad tried to reason with her on Dauphin Island beach. He tried for
55 years.

Debra’s fierce love and loyalty was a cornerstone of her character. Her Seester will
miss her love and protection. Her children will miss her guidance, as she continued to
insist that “all of my children got their ‘hardheadedness’ from their Dads’ side”. Her
grandchildren will miss their Granny’s unwavering love (and her fantastic presents).
Her friends will miss all the laughter and searing honesty. If shit hit the fan, you wanted
Debbie on your side.

Debbie overcame a years-long addiction. She was very appreciative to all who
helped her on her journey to recovery, especially those in Texas. Thank you. We are all
so proud of her for overcoming her demons.

Debbie was a proud 3rd generation member of the Elks Lodge #1120. She loved
her time at the lodge! She truly upheld the motto: “Elks Care, Elks Share.” Her
commitment to fundraising, ability to make anyone feel welcome, and contributions on
the pool committee brought her immense joy. Thank you Diana & Boss Man for
believing in her, and to the Elks for being there for her in her time of need. She was also
a member of Krewe of Tri-Cities, serving as a Dutchess during Mardi Gras 2025.

Debbie shared a love of gardening with her grandparents, Daddy, and Uncle
Benny. She loved God, her dog Radar, anything pickled, loud music, and uplifting those
around her… unless she hated you. “If you know what I mean.”
Appreciation sent to the fine eating & drinking establishments of Jackson County
for taking good care of her - and condolences for your lost revenue.

Kim’s prayer for Debbie helps us in our time of need: “Her last breath here was
followed by her first breath in Heaven.”

In addition to her late parents, Debbie was preceded in death by her grandparents,
Captain Henry “Blackie” Richard Tillman, Marie Delores Ezell Tillman, Walter Burke
Robertson, Helen Claudia Barkley Robertson; uncles, Jerrel Tillman, Douglas Robertson,
Harold Edward Tillman Sr., Chancellor Kenneth Barkley Robertson, G. W. Beavers,
Benjamin E. Tillman Sr.; aunt, Norma Jean Tillman Beavers; Douglas Jay Smith and Mary
Patricia “Patti” Roach.

Debbie is survived by sisters, Kim Tillman Busche (Greg) and Robyn Tillman
James; children, Daniel Clayton Smith (Tara), Dana Michelle Beckham, Britney Helen-
Marie Hogan, Morgan Lissa Landry; grandchildren, Summer Elise Smith, Bailey Jane
Beckham, Andrew Forrest Beckham, Payten Wesley Smith, Avalynn May Hogan,
Cheyenne Elizabeth Burroughs, Lillian Rose Hogan, Cayson Elward Burroughs, Briar Jay
Smith, baby boy Smith; nephew/nieces, Walter Henry Freeman, Alessandra Gabrielle
Busche, Sophia Madison Freeman; aunt, Fay Prevost Robertson; cousins, Harold Edward
Tillman Jr., Leslie Fay Robertson Heard, Marques Thomas, Marques Thomas II; and
Patrick David Beckham.

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