Deborah Ann Wilson

Deborah Ann Wilson, daughter of the late James Brown Mantle, Jr. and Lillian Margaret (Thomas) Mantle, was born May 29, 1951, in Maysville, Kentucky. As a young girl, Deborah grew up in Florida and Arizona. She attended school in Arizona and graduated from Flowing Wells High School in Tucson with the Class of 1968. In 1971, Deborah moved back to Kentucky and after moving back, she met a young man that was stationed at Ft. Knox by the name of Bobby Dee Wilson. They were united in marriage on May 24, 1975, in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. They shared almost 30 years of marriage together before Bobby preceded her in death on October 23, 2005. Due to Bobby being in the military, Deborah and the family were transferred to Fort Leonard Wood in 1985 and when Bobby retired in 1991, they decided to remain in the area. Deborah was a hardworking woman and took great pride in helping to provide for her family. While they were stationed in Germany, she worked as a cashier for the commissary and after coming to Fort Leonard Wood, she began working as a cook for the Waynesville R-VI School District at Partridge Elementary School located on the military installation. She then worked as a clerk at the Waynesville License Bureau office, but mostly and foremost she was a wife, mother and grandmother and was always putting her family first. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing and quilting. Most importantly, she loved her family and treasured the times that they could spend together, especially her grandchildren who she teasingly said she loved more than her children. At a young age, Deborah had made a profession of faith and while living in Arizona, she was baptized at the local Baptist church. She entered her heavenly home on Saturday, February 15, 2025, having attained the age of 73 years. Debbie had been diagnosed with terminal cancer in May 2024. She was a tough soldier and fought hard and courageously. She wanted everyone to celebrate her life and knew she would be happy being with her husband again. She will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. She leaves to cherish her memory, her three children: Steve Griffis (Jessie) of Rogersville, MO, Rebecca Griffis of Parker, CO, and James Wilson (Nikki) of Sandy, UT; seven grandchildren: Ashley, Aubrie, Austin, Easton, Alex, Jamie, and Kaleigh; eleven great grandchildren; several other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Deborah was preceded in death by one sister: Marsha Mantle. Even though she is gone from our sight, Deborah’s spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Services were held at 12:00 p.m. Monday, February 24, 2025 in the Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert with Pastor Danny Graves. The songs "Amazing Grace" by Carrie Underwood, "Just A Closer Walk with Thee" by Randy Travis, and "Everybody Talks to God" by Aaron Lewis were played. Serving as escorts were Stephen L. Griffis, Austin Griffis, James K. Wilson, Mack Gaono, Aidan Derhiem, and Chad Derhiem. Burial followed in the Sunset Memorial Estates Cemetery of Waynesville, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Deborah Wilson and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert.

Deborah Ann Wilson

May 29, 1951 - February 15, 2025