Deb Raye (Smith) Robinson

Deborah Raye Robinson, known as “Deb, Mrs. Deb, Granny and Gran”, 78, of Marion, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at her home, with family by her side. 

Visitation and Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, Illinois.  A Memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m., with Phil Randall officiating. Inurnment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery in Carterville. 

Deborah was born on July 16, 1947, in Carterville, to Marsolie (Hadfield) Bagby and Robert Leslie Smith. She married William Douglas Robinson on October 15, 1976, in Marion. Doug preceded her in death on May 5, 1999. 

She is survived by her beloved children, Larissa (Johnny) Riggs, Zachary (Leann) Robinson and William Douglas (Tara) Robinson II; adored grandchildren, Bronté Taylor, Hunter Robinson, Blayze Taylor, Douglas Robinson, and Brielle Taylor; cherished great-grandchildren, Trayce, Treasure, Tyrian,Tru, and Braje Jr.; dear siblings, Kendal Smith, Nina (Hal) Bagby-Bishop,Tina (David) Daley, Lisa (Jim) Oyler, Melinda (Phil) Randall, along with numerous loved nieces and nephews and cousins. 

Deb was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sons, Judd Ryan Robinson and Todd Shannon Robinson; as well as treasured life-long friend Phyllis Houston. 

In her early years, Deborah worked briefly in the travel industry in LA. Deborah then worked in the cable television services and construction industry with companies such as Cablevision, Comcast and Mediacom. She was an Office Manager and then District Manager- working with dispatch, running payroll, and planning projects, to later owning her own company branch (A.D. Wells Cable Construction) in Mobile, Alabama with her husband, Doug. She was meticulous, organized, professional and her work ethic is unmatched. For a time, she also worked at Video Plaza in Harrisburg. Later in life she owned her own thrift store called “Nothin’ Fancy” in Mobile, Alabama and completed her working career at Create-A-Smile Charities in Carterville, Illinois. 

Deb and Doug loved one another deeply and fiercely. They enjoyed traveling and taking trips or long rides on their Honda Gold Wing, they also enjoyed working daily together in their careers and coming home as a unit in the evenings. They instilled a love of nature and family in their children. Family picnics, hiking, exploring Shawnee National forest, camping, 3-wheeling and riding motorcycles were a vital part of their family dynamic. Family vacations to Florida yearly to visit extended family, aunts and cousins were anticipated with excitement. 

Some of Deb’s favorite things were her Daily Devotionals, organizing family pictures, popcorn, KFC, ice water and unsweet tea, diet Dr. Pepper, poetry and music of all genres, playing Solitaire and Scrabble, as well as playing penny or nickel slots. Sending Hallmark cards (Gold stickers always) for all occasions was a crucial commitment dear to her. Family movie nights were a must as she loved action movies and anything Disney. 

Deborah had an envied green thumb. She enjoyed spending time gardening, caring for her vast plant collection and had a special fondness for cacti. A collector at heart: she collected Hallmark ornaments (Her sisters especially continue this legacy), books, dragonflies, LEGO figures, miniatures and anything whimsical. Deborah had a deep appreciation for Native American culture and artifacts, including Nemadji pottery, which she also collected. Her home reflected this passion and she was known for a warm and decorative living space honoring the Native American people and history.  Her door was always open for visits, her arms always willing to hug, her ears always willing to listen.

You always saw Deborah with a book in her hand or by her side as she was an avid reader—especially enjoying books by Sharon Sala. She loved cooking for loved ones and planning large family dinners. Her dishes of corn pudding, tacos with refried beans & queso, Spanish bean soup, chicken and dumplings, Chop Suey and steak with tomato gravy will forever be revered.  She cherished her family and loved ones and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Granny was forever, singing, acting silly, reading to them, playing games and simply relishing being around the laughter and noise of  children being children. She soaked in her family, like we all soak in the sun. Deb enjoyed visiting flea markets and thrifting, she loved finding deals for her family and always asked to know “What are you on the lookout for?”

Rest assured, she would find it! 

Deborah Raye was a beautiful, selfless, intelligent, faithful, intuitive, honorable human being. A woman of deep faith, she was an expert at prayer, praying for others, sharing her faith and knowledge of scripture, and genuinely uplifting those hurting or struggling. Her kind heart and gentle spirit were evident through the smile on her face and the warmth of her presence. She was forever willing to help, give and assist in any way necessary.  A pillar of strength, determination and resilience for all of us. May her light shine on us and through us, always. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Native American Children’s Fund, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Organization for Autism Research.

 Zach & Leann and Larissa & Johnny would like our family, friends and community to know that although we all love flowers, any plants or cacti are welcomed just as much, if you choose to honor our Mom in that way. She would love anything that can be planted and appreciated beyond her life celebration.

We are also requesting any memories sent to us via email.  Voice memos are welcomed and encouraged. Please share stories or memories!  deborahrobinsonmemories2026@gmail.com Thank you!

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