Deborah Jean Hawes

Deborah Jean Hawes, 30, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, in Billings, MT. She was the firstborn daughter to Anthony Hawes and Lisa Clark on October 7, 1991, in Olney, IL.

A fighter from day one, Debbie overcame many obstacles and hardships in her life. She was a strong advocate for equality and justice, and you could usually find her on the side of the underdogs and misunderstood of society. She had the ability to see people and situations objectively, and she voiced her stand for fairness and compassion loudly.

Debbie loved her family deeply and absolutely adored her friends. She had a heart big and brave enough to transform the lives of everyone she met. She was compassionate, thoughtful, fiercely loyal and supportive to everyone she loved.

In the months prior to her death, Debbie reconnected with her daughter, Josie, along with many of her friends, old and new. She made every effort to let us all know how much she loved us. It was as if her soul was telling her it was almost time to go home. We will be forever grateful for our time with Debbie. We will miss her giggly laugh, sparkly style, and candid approach in conversations. There is a Debbie-sized hole in the world that we can only hope to fill by passing on the lessons we learned and the love we have for her.

Rest in Peace, Debbie Jean. We will never stop loving you.

Debbie is survived by her daughter, Josephine Lefer; her parents, Anthony Hawes of Olney, IL, and Lisa Clark of Billings; sister, Anjie Hawes of Washington, IN; brother, Trey Hawes (Tera) of Effingham, IL; sister, Brooklyn Hawes of Olney, IL; paternal grandparents, Charles and Marilyn Hawes of Olney, IL; maternal grandfather, Larry Clark (Gayle) of Vincennes, IN; nephew, Jasper Hawes (Anjie), along with several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends, including her best friend since childhood, Stormi Paddock.

She was preceded in death by her infant son, Aden Hawes; sister, Claire Hawes; niece Reign Hawes; and her maternal grandmother, Debbie Clark.

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be announced at a later time.