Debra A. “Debbie” Rafferty, aka “Abingdon’s Best Friend”, 58, of Abingdon, Illinois passed away unexpectedly at 6:27 am, Wednesday, December 27, 2023.
Debbie was born August 10, 1965, in Galesburg, the daughter of Gerald E. and Marjorie (Bowton) Rafferty. She is survived by her mother and best friend, Marge Bowton of Abingdon; her two brothers, Michael Rafferty of Keller, Texas and Joe (Lori) Rafferty of Oneida, Illinois; her aunts and uncles, Daniel (Janet) Bowton of Mahomet, Illinois, Armand (Janice) Rafferty, Elroy (Judy) Rafferty both of Minnesota and Linda Bowton of Iowa City; her niece, Kenzie Rafferty; many special cousins and a countless number of friends. She is preceded in death by her father, grandparents, James and Annetta Bowton and Boyce and Evelyn Rafferty, several aunts and uncles and her cousin, Jimmy Bowton.
Debbie never knew a stranger. Her smile was contagious, and her sense of humor could make anyone chuckle. Those who have had the pleasure of meeting or had gotten to know Debbie would say she lit up a whole room with her presence alone. She loved taking pictures with friends and family, as well as many fabulous selfies. Debbie was very involved with her Special Olympics team, “The Knox County Knights”. She participated in track and field events, was on their bowling league and served as the basketball team manager. Debbie enjoyed going out to eat and without a doubt she would run across several people she knew. She loved to hang out and visit at Abbe Lanes Bowling Alley in Abingdon. Debbie was an avid Chicago Cub and Green Bay Packer fan and would get a great thrill out of razzing anyone who wasn’t. Debbie graduated from Macomb High School in 1984 and was involved in multiple musicals. Debbie worked as a piece maker for KCCDD for over twenty years. She had a love for music, especially opera music. Debbie was a strong woman of faith having attended and baptized in several Abingdon churches. She will be missed by her many friends, family and teammates.
Visitation for Debbie is scheduled for 4:00-6:00 pm Friday, January 5, 2024, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Abingdon Chapel. Funeral services will be held at Noon, Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the chapel. She will be laid to rest in Abingdon Cemetery. Debbie was also known for her fundraising skills for the Knox County Knights and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To continue on in her memory, memorials may be made to either organization. Online condolences may be offered at www.h-p-w.com.
