Debra L. Linder (59) of Effingham

Debra L. Linder, 59, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023 surrounded by her family.

A public visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham with a private family funeral service to follow. Memorials may be made to the family for medical expenses and may be accepted at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Debra was born on May 7, 1964, in Effingham, IL, the daughter of Dr. R.R. “Skeet” and Yvonne B. “Evie” (Phillips) Lystila. Debra Linder, a woman who, radiated her love for babies, relished people watching, cherished the companionship of pets, and thrived on the vibrant interactions with customers in her workplace, has left an indelible mark on those who knew her. Debi was a beacon of sociability; she never encountered a stranger, and in her earlier days, she embraced life with unbridled enthusiasm. Despite the challenges posed by Cystic Fibrosis, she refused to let it define her. In her later years, as her medical condition limited her mobility, Debi found solace in indulging her passion for binge-watching TV series. She could effortlessly recite most episodes of Friends along with favorites like Frasier and detective shows. At the age of thirty-five, Debi received a precious gift: a double lung transplant. Remarkably, her transplant team at Barnes has noted that she held the record as the longest-living transplant recipient to date. Over the last few years, she valiantly battled the daily obstacles her medical conditions presented, displaying an unmatched will to survive. Yet even in the face of adversity, she remained selfless…always prioritizing the needs of others before her own. Debi found immense joy in visiting the family farm, where she cherished quality time spent with her children, grandchildren, and their furry companions. Her grandkids fondly referred to her as “Aunt Grandma Debi”. She was known for her sassy and spirited demeanor, endearing herself to both family and friends. Debi harbored a cherished goal: to reach the age of sixty and to celebrate her 25th anniversary of the life-saving lung transplant. While she did not quite achieve that dream, she did revel in a joyous celebration of her 59 ½ and 24 ½ year milestones, just days before her passing. Debi's legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched and the memories she created.

Debi is survived by her husband, Terry Linder; son, Tyler (Meghan) Donaldson; son, Ethan (Sierra) Jones; daughter, Courtney Kellems (Quentin Frericks); 10 grandchildren; and siblings, Larry (Marian) Lystila, Lynn (Dan) Miller, Nancy (“Fig”) Newton, Cheryl (Jay) Jared, and David (Brenda) Lystila.

Debi was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, Greg “Biff” Lystila.