Debra Piper

Dec 17th, 1958 - Sep 28th, 2015

Visitation:

Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home

Fri, Oct. 2nd, 2015 5:00 PM ~ 8:00 PM

Service:

Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home

Sat, Oct. 3rd, 2015 11:00 AM

Burial:

Herrin City Cemetery

Sat, Oct. 3rd, 2015

Herrin- Debra Ruth Piper, 56, of Herrin, passed away at 3:54 AM, Monday, September 28, 2015 at her home.

Debra was born on December 17, 1958 in DuQuoin to Bill and Shirley (Hackleman) Bunton. She married Rex Allen Piper, Sr. at Energy First Baptist Church on June 19, 1982. He survives of Herrin.

She was a wonderful mother and wife who worked the last several years in the office of North Side Primary Center in Herrin. Her personality and warmth will be missed by her fellow co-workers.

Debra was Baptist and devoted her life to her family and friends. She volunteered her time at Energy Grade School- Parent Teacher Organization for many years. In her spare time she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, gardening her many beautiful flowers and going to the Biltmore Hotel with her friends.

She leaves behind-

Her loving husband of 33 years- Rex Piper of Herrin
Son- Rex Allen Piper, Jr. of Herrin
Son- Jonathon Piper and special friend Mariah Akes of Herrin
Grandchildren- Holdyn Westberry and Maxx Piper and their mother Sara Deason of Herrin
Brother- Robert Bunton of DuQuoin
Special niece- Rachel (Bunton) Gibson and husband Steven of Tamaroa
Several special friends that were like her extended family
Several nieces, nephews and cousins
Many close friends

She was preceded in death by her parents, and 2 brothers- Steve and Brad Bunton, special niece- Stacey Bunton.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Jim Wright will officiate. Entombment will follow at Herrin City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM – 8:00PM, Friday, October 2, 2015 at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin.

Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home/ 201 S. 13th St/ Herrin, IL 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com.




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48 Guestbook Messages

  • Guest: Linda White

    From: Knoxville, Tennessee

    Date: September 30, 2015

    Debra and I got to know each other a little while sharing our interest in the our common ancestry concerning the Tierneys. Her mother and I were 1st cousins. She was always bright and cheerful and I only wish I could have met her in person. I am so sorry for your loss. She was certainly a beautiful peron.

  • Guest: JAN REIS

    From: HERRIN, Illinois

    Date: September 30, 2015

    rex - rex & jonathan — my heart has broken for all of you - I have kept you in my prayers since I heard the sad news. I can only imagine how hard this is for all of you & I want you to know how much I care. you have known the Lord Jesus personally, & it isn’t just a cliché - He cares & is there for you - fight to draw your strength from Him to endure this & keep going on. we can’t do this alone. so many of us struggle w/ things that have happened , but cling to the Word that says, “He is our very present help in time of trouble” . as everyone knows, Debbie was a very very special person - so giving & caring - always made everyone feel welcome - special - cared about. I am so thankful for the times thru-out the years I was able to get to know her & spend time w. her. May the Lord be with you. love jan

  • Guest: Annette Branche

    From: Freeman Spur, Illinois

    Date: September 30, 2015

    Just want to express my deepest regrets at this sad time. Deb was everyone’s Best Friend.When She seen you it was always a smile and She gave the best most loving hugs.She was Genuine,that is what I loved her most for. Beautiful inside and out…She had NO CLUE how beautiful She was. Her laugh was infectious. She was my Friend! I am missing you Sweetie but I know You are at the feet of our Savior JESUS CHRIST,which is where I want to be when HE calls me HOME. Prayers for your Husband Rex and 2 Sons. Your Friend ,Annette.P.S. When we play our oldies on the radio we will think of Ms. Deb.

  • Guest: Ruth Tetmeyer

    From: Energy, Illinois

    Date: September 30, 2015

    It was always a pleasure for over 10 years to see Debbie at the Energy Post Office. We had many laughs and happy, happy conversations. It was not hard to see that she was loved by all who knew her. My heart is broken for her precious family, and to you I pray for peace and may you feel the Lord nearer than ever before.

  • Guest: Terra Dunfee

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: September 30, 2015

    To Debra’s family: I pray for God’s sweet peace to be poured out on all of you! I pray that God’s Angels surround you with His love and mercy! And I pray that your hearts are filled with joy as you have wonderful memories of her. Thank you, family, for sharing her with the rest of us.

    I haven’t heard her voice in a couple of years; however, I remember what a sweet, and peaceful voice that she had. I always enjoyed talking to her because her joy would come out in her voice & the way that she talked. She was a beautiful soul!

    (((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))

  • Guest: Alicia Smith

    From: , Illinois

    Date: September 30, 2015

    Debbie was an amazing woman, she brought such encouragement to everyone who knew her. Her infectious smile, lit up the room, that laugh that you couldn’t help but laugh with, her positive attitude and constant inspiration of others will be greatly missed. She was a beautiful woman both inside& out! I am forever BLESSED to have known her! My heart aches for her family, friends & co-workers. May the Lord lay His peace like a blanket over you and comfort you with wonderful memories.

  • Guest: Jim Stevens

    From: Energy, Illinois

    Date: September 30, 2015

    To me Debbie will always be that beauty Rex brought into the group when we were young and having a blast. It didn’t take long for us to realize Deb. Was an anomaly, this girl was even more beautiful on the inside than on the outside. She was the best human being I have ever known. She was like a sister to many of us and a friend to all. Rex, when you finish your job helping raise those grandchildren it will be time to go meet her and you will always be together. Love you both.

  • Guest: Teresa Steely

    From: Du Quoin, Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Debbie for a long time. She was a great and beautiful person. You couldn’t meet anyone and kinder. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. May GOD comfort you and your family through this very difficult time. God Bless.

  • Guest: Jenny Agnew

    From: Dupo Il, Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    So sorry to hear this. My mom always talked highly of Debbie. Prayers to you all through this difficult time. Hugs from the Agnew Family

  • Guest: Karen (Furlow) Oxford

    From: Du Quoin, Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    To Rex and family- my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Growing up with Debbie was always an adventure. I like to think that I had a little something to do with you two getting together, since she couldn’t cook worth a darn when you were dating. She was just a joy to be around, always a friend when you needed her. I hadn’t seen or talked to her for quite some time, but always counted her as my friend. From my family to yours, let God help you to carry this burden. You don’t have to do it alone. May God bless you all.

  • Guest: Randy Bunton

    From: Antioch, Ca., Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    Dearest Debbie ,I will never forget you. I will always remember the wonderful childhood memories of the times we spent at grandma Ruth’s house making popcorn and playing in the basement. Or the times we spent playing old records on the ol victorola. I know that we ment to get together but I never dreamed we would run out of time. I’ll see you again when the LORD takes me home too. I love you Debbie Bunton Piper.

  • Guest: Lori Maxton Williams

    From: Du Quoin, Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    Rex and boys, you have my deepest sympathy. I remember when my family suffered a tragedy, Debbie was right there to offer her help and love. What a lovely woman she was. I grew up with her in DQ and then we both ended up in Herrin and had many fun times together. May God comfort you at this very sad time. She was a blessing on this earth with her warmth and beauty and I’m sure her light is shining bright in heaven. Love and prayers to all that loved her.

  • Guest: Liz Busch Hastings

    From: Energy, Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    The Piper Family ,

    May the memories held deep within your hearts, help soothe all of you . You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Randy and Liz Busch Hastings

  • Guest: Valerie Gregg

    From: Slidell, Louisiana

    Date: October 1, 2015

    Rex, Rex Allen and Jon, I am heartbroken at the loss of your wife and mother and one of my best friends. I loved Debbie with all my heart. She was a beautiful person inside and out. We had 35 years of friendship… we had a lot of good times. Debbie, I will miss you, our talks and your presence… Love you!

  • Guest: marsha and bruce bratten

    From: vero beach , Florida

    Date: October 1, 2015

    Rex and family so sorry for your lose. Debra was a beautiful person thoughts and prayers are with you al

  • Guest: Amber Knapp

    From: Duquoin, Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    My Aunt Debbie was the best aunt a girl could ever ask for we had so many fun times together when I was a Lil girl I would go to her house in the summer and stay weeks on out and she would make it the best time ever. She a wonderful woman! God has received the best angle yet!?!! I LOVE U AUNT DEBBIE U WILL BE DEARLY MISSED AND NEVER forgotten U WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY heart…..

  • Guest: Stephen Moss

    From: Du Quoin, Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    Rex, Rex Jr., and Jonathon:
    My siblings and I went to high school with Debbie. May GOD grant you his peace which surpasses all understanding.
    Stephen Moss

  • Guest: Stephen Moss

    From: Du Quoin, Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    Bobby,
    You have my sympathy in the passing of your sister.
    May GOD give you HIS peace which surpasses ALL understanding.
    Stephen Moss

  • Guest: Mike Spruell

    From: Zeigler, Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    Rex and Family,
    My thoughts and prayers are with You at this time of sorrow….

  • Guest: Gerri Miles

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    My deepest condolences to the family.she was a amazing women so full of joy. I am lucky to have gotten a chance to meet and work with her. She made an amazing impact on my life. I will truly miss her. I prays to the family and other friends. She shall me missed extremely but never forgotten!!!

  • Guest: Dale & Ruth Knope

    From: Coulterville, Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    We wish to express our sincere sympathy to the family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers during this stressful time. God’s blessings to all of you.

  • Guest: Jeanette Case Higginbotham

    From: Edwardsville, Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    Rex and family - My heart is breaking for you. Debbie was a sweet friend. I will never forget our times together. She was like a ray of sunshine and touched so many lives. I am praying that you feel God’s arms around you during this very difficult time.

  • Guest: Dennis Bunton

    From: Du Quoin, Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    The relationship we shared and the support she gave to me over the years was special and like no other. I will miss my dear cousin until we meet again on the other side. My thoughts are prayers are with you Rex, Rex and Jon, as they are will all of us that are hurting from this tragic loss.

  • Guest: Tena Rennison

    From: Du Quoin, Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    My deepest sympathy to your family. I grew up and attended school with Debbie. A few years ago I reconnected with her through our jobs ( I am the secretary at Du Quoin Elementary) so anytime I needed a students records or she needed some from our school we always got to visit and catch up. I am so happy I had those times to talk to her. She was a special lady and is shining in Heaven.

  • Guest: Mariessa orso

    From: , Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    What a beautiful woman inside and out. You will be missed here.

  • Guest: Rodger Riley

    From: Lake Wales, Florida

    Date: October 1, 2015

    Rex I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, our prayers go out to you and your family, Rodger Riley

  • Guest: Annette Zavala

    From: Johnston City, Illinois

    Date: October 1, 2015

    Debbie’s positive attitude and warmth always made the people she interacted with feel privileged to know her. She always made you feel special. She was very proud of her family and loved them dearly. I will greatly miss her, but cherish her memory.Her family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Guest: Melissa craft

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: October 2, 2015

    I only knew Mrs. Piper through the interactions we had at Northside Primary.. But she was definitely always such a pleasant lady. She always was cheerful and smiling. You could hear the smile and cheerfulness in her voice, even when you called in over the phone..She was a joy to speak to each day..Always seemed to enjoy the children and the interactions she had with them. She will be greatly missed by many of us parents and our children as well. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family..she was such a beautiful and sweet woman..we all felt blessed to know her.

  • Guest: LaDonna S Hammond

    From: West Frankfort, Illinois

    Date: October 2, 2015

    Debbie was my first cousin. My dad and her dad were brothers. We had a lot of fun times together growing up and we kept in contact with one another throughout the years. She was a very beautiful person inside and out. She had a heart of gold. I’m really going to miss her!!!

    I love you with all of my heart Debbie!!! xoxoxoxo

  • Guest: DAVID&LINDA QUAGLIA

    From: HERRIN, Illinois

    Date: October 2, 2015

    REX&FAMILY WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS YOU WILL BE IN OUR PRAYERS DEB WAS A VERY CARING PERSON &ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HER FACE GOD BLESS

  • Guest: Cecile Melvin

    From: Du Quoin, Illinois

    Date: October 2, 2015

    My condolences. So sorry for your loss.

  • Guest: Paulette Wheatley

    From: Du Quoin, Illinois

    Date: October 2, 2015

    Always in my thoughts and prayers.

  • Guest: Steve & Mary Faughn

    From: vienna, Illinois

    Date: October 2, 2015

    Rex- Rex & Jon

    Debbie was the most wonderful, beautiful, caring, loving & pretty lady we have ever known. She had the biggest heart filled with so much love for family & friends.
    Debbie we will miss you!!! You have your wings!

    Love & Prayers to All…..
    Steve & Mary Faughn

  • Guest: Pamela and Larry Barnes

    From: Herrin, IL, Illinois

    Date: October 2, 2015

    Our hearts are breaking for each of you. Debbie was one of the sweetist people I have ever met. Always remember how your lives were blessed to have her. She will be greatly missed.

  • Guest: Debbie (Koerber) Chastain

    From: Houston, Texas

    Date: October 2, 2015

    Words cannot express how sorry I am for your loss. Debbie was a classmate of mine at DuQuoin High School. She was loved by all. I hope the family has an opportunity to see all of the wonderful comments that have been expressed on Facebook, where many of us had reconnected after so many years. Debbie’s love for her family was evident in every picture and comment she shared. She was truly beautiful, inside and out.

  • Guest: Patrick and Kim Gurley

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: October 2, 2015

    We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Big Rex you have a beautiful wife. Rex Jr and John You have a great mother we are pained of what you have had to endure.

    Greg and Debbie Patrick and Kim Gurley

  • Guest: Debbie Erwin

    From: HERRIN, Illinois

    Date: October 2, 2015

    Rex and all family have my deepest condolences. Everyone who knew Debbie was blessed. She was full of laughter and smiles. I never knew a kinder, sweeter soul. Debbie`s love will be in your hearts forever and her memory will be a treasure by so many.
    Debbie Erwin

  • Guest: Randall and Heather Hall

    From: West Frankfort, Illinois

    Date: October 2, 2015

    Rex,

  • Guest: Randall and Heather Hall

    From: West Frankfort, Illinois

    Date: October 2, 2015

    Rex, our hearts and prays go out to you and your family.I have always had the utmost respect and admiration for you,Debbie and your boys.

  • Guest: Rod Hopkins

    From: Geneseo, Illinois

    Date: October 2, 2015

    Rex and family,

    My condolences for your great loss. I met Debbie in the 7th grade with a beautiful smile and welcoming demeanor. She kept that all through high school. Although it has been years since I visited her in person but Facebook posting and messages now help us stay close. I will pray for your family and Debbie’s extended family and friends. Fall back on your memories as I am sure there are many good ones.

  • Guest: Jamey (Evans) LaBotte & Ricky LaBotte

    From: Carterville , Illinois

    Date: October 2, 2015

    Rex, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. May your cherished memories give you peace and comfort in the coming days. God Bless you all

  • Guest: Bruce and Charlotte Holliday

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: October 2, 2015

    Rex, we are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We never got to meet Debra, however, I see from all the comments that she was a wonderful lady. She will be deeply missed.

  • Guest: Leanna Gray Leek

    From: Du Quoin, Illinois

    Date: October 2, 2015

    My deepest sympathy to the family. I have known Debbie since elementary school and have always thought of her as a sweet and caring person.

  • Guest: Sheryl (Haggard) Barbosa

    From: Bradley, Illinois

    Date: October 3, 2015

    I met Debbie at DHS and a couple years ago reconnected on facebook. She was a very sweet person. Heaven gained an Angel when your loved one passed away.. And although they may have left this earth, they’ll be with you everyday…So may you find some comfort in knowing they will always be a part…of every moment in your life because you now have an angel in your heart. With Deepest Sympathy for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

  • Guest: Doug Robinson

    From: Harlingen, Texas

    Date: October 3, 2015

    I am so sorry to hear of this loss….I was quite fond of her and her brother Brad was a good friend. God must have needed an angel because she was one here on earth….God Bless your family Deb…You will be missed….with prayers for all

  • Guest: Tami Hottes (Robison

    From: Pinckneyville, Illinois

    Date: October 7, 2015

    My deepest condolences to Debbie’s family and to you Bobby Bunton. Debbie was a great girl and will be missed terribly.

  • Guest: Nichole Pate

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: October 14, 2015

    What a sweet soul. Our prayers go out to the entire Piper family. Rex Jr I am so sorry. She was such a good person and that lives on through you. Peace be with you.

  • Guest: Kevin Donna Thomas

    From: Herrin, Illinois

    Date: October 16, 2015

    Rex,Rex Allen and Jon. We are so sorry to hear about Debbie. She will be missed so much! Everyone who knew her Loved Her Very Much! She was a Beautiful person with a Beautiful Heart! She was the Sweetest,Kindest Person we ever met.She and Goat are looking down from Heaven right now on all of us! Love You All!!