Debra Kay Jackson

Debra Kay Jackson, 68, of Crossville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully after a sudden illness surrounded by her family Friday, July 18th, 2025 at Advocate Christ Medical Center. She was born January 28, 1957 at St. Mary’s Hospital the daughter of Richard E. and Muriel J. Pilcher. On August 5th, 1989 she married David Jackson in Watseka. She was an in-home care giver and enjoyed spending time getting to know her clients and finding ways to keep them engaged and improve their daily lives. Debby was an animal lover and loved riding horses. She and her husband adopted a group of wild horses that were part of a herd reduction out west and provided a sanctuary for them on their farm in Crossville, TN. Debra was an avid fan of Dolly Parton and enjoyed visiting Dollywood with family and friends as often as she could. She was proud of her family’s Cherokee heritage and loved visiting historic sites and learning more about Native American culture. She was passionate about gardening and cooking and caring for her family. Debra was a woman of unwavering Christian faith. Debra is survived by her husband of 36 years, David Jackson; their children Robert Wankel of Danville, IL, Rachel (Bill) Sell of Milford, IL, Tara (David) Tant and David Edward Jackson all of Crossville, TN; her brother, Ron Pilcher of Crossville, TN; her mother, Muriel Pilcher and sister, Paula Rogers both of Manteno, IL; grandchildren, Skler Sandstedt, Blossom Wankel, Tyler (Samantha) Jackson, Addisyn and Andrew Tant, Angel, Dalton, Noah and Liam Jackson , Jasmine (Max) Edmondson of Oxford, IN and countless other family members and loved ones. She is preceded in death by her father, Richard E. Pilcher; brother, Richard A. Pilcher; her paternal grandparents, Frank and Ina Pilcher; maternal grandparents, Frank and Leona Hooper; grandson, Isaac Jackson; and her cousin, Jodi Pilcher. In accordance with Debby’s wishes there will be no services at this time. A celebration of Debra's life will be held in the coming months. Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family.