Deborah Louise “Debbie” Schnell, 66, of Taylorville died at 11:58 P.M. on Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur, Illinois. She was born on October 28, 1950, the daughter of Leroy and Vivian (Tolly) Whitehead. On August 10, 1996, she married Douglas Lynn Schell in Taylorville. Debbie worked for over 37 years in the vehicle services section of the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. She proudly served under 7 Secretaries of State including: Powell, Lewis, Howlett, Dixon, Edgar, Ryan, and White. After retirement, she and Doug started Schnell Services Inc. where she was President and CEO. She was a past member of the First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School. Debbie was also a former member of the Taylorville Lioness, treasurer for the Taylorville Eagle’s Women’s Auxiliary, secretary for the Christian County Republican Women’s Club, and was a candidate for Taylorville Township Supervisor. In her free time, she enjoyed collection angels, and cherished the times she was able to spoil her great nephews, Hunter and Remington.

Debbie is survived by her husband: Doug L. Schnell of Taylorville; daughter: Nicole “Nikki” Ayers (Steven) of Taylorville; and brother: Larry Whitehead (Kay) of Aviston; and former husband: Joseph Hunt of Mayfield, Kentucky. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother: Richard Lynn Whitehead of Taylorville and mother and father-in-law: Duane and Janet Schnell of Kankakee.

A visitation will be held from 5 until 7 P.M. on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville. Debbie will be cremated following the visitation and inurnment will be at a later date in the Edinburg Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Taylorville Fire Department EMS. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is handling arrangements. Memories of Debbie, or condolences to the family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com