Debra S. Thomas

Debra S. Thomas, 62, of South Charleston, Ohio, formerly of Willshire, passed away on Wednesday morning, May 13, 2026, at Gardens at Celina in Celina, Ohio.

Deb was born on June 23, 1963 in Decatur, Indiana to the late Harvey Carl and Mary E. (Lautzenheiser) Hileman. She graduated from Parkway High School in 1981. Deb was a bank teller for several years and owned a ceramic shop. She was also a homemaker who loved caring for her family.

Whether Deb was working on diamond art, crocheting, or exploring various other crafts, her hands were rarely still. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she was an enthusiastic fan of high-energy sports. She could often be found cheering during NASCAR races or following the latest drama of WWE wrestling. Her home was also filled with the companionship of her beloved dog, Saddie, who was her constant and loyal friend. Deb’s commitment to her community was deeply rooted in her work with Ability Builders in Springfield, Ohio. She took great pride in her involvement with the organization, where she fostered connections and contributed to the lives of those around her. Above all, Deb’s greatest joy in life was spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by two daughters, Jenifer (Shawn) Wycuff of Rockford, Ohio and Ashley (John) Hein of Celina, Ohio; life partner, Barry Espy of South Charleston, Ohio; three sisters, Karen (David) Freeman of Van Wert, Ohio, Helen (James) Hawkins of Decatur, Indiana, and Dayle (Albert) Alspaugh of Rockford, Ohio; grandchildren, Kanisha (Chase) Fleck, Natalie (Derek) Bryan, Justice (Chase) Myers, John Hein Jr., Gunner Hein, Colten Hein, and Buckley Wycuff; great-grandchildren, Annie, Waylon, Aliyah, and Bexley; and her Fur Baby, Saddie Sue.

In addition to her parents, Deb was preceded in death by her brother, Donald Hileman; and a great-grandson, Allen Fleck.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 18, 2026 at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana, with Pastor John Kellogg officiating. Burial will be at Willshire Cemetery at a later date.

Family and friends will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana.

Preferred memorials may be given to the family for funeral expenses, checks payable to Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home.

Arrangements by Zwick and Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana