Debra Dee (Weaver) Gillum

Debra Dee (Weaver) Gillum passed away at the age of 72, at home in her sleep, Tuesday June 10th,2025, after a brief battle with cancer.  Her final days were spent with those closest to her and we are grateful for the time we had with her.

Born on June 3, 1953, in Moville, Iowa, to Burdette and Connie Weaver, Debra—known affectionately as Deb or Nana—lived a life centered around family, love, and the joy of simple pleasures. In 1973, she moved to Des Moines, where fate introduced her to Gary Gillum while he was helping a neighbor cut down a tree. That chance meeting blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Deb and Gary were married on May 31, 1980, and shared 45 years of marriage filled with devotion and shared purpose.

Together they raised their family on the south side of Des Moines before settling in Pleasant Hill in the summer of 2000. Deb took immense pride in caring for her children and later her grandchildren. She cherished the time she had with them during their early years and made sure they always felt loved and supported.

Professionally, Deb worked alongside Gary at Comfort Systems for over two decades, managing bookkeeping and office responsibilities with diligence and care. Later in life, she continued that legacy by working with her son Curt for ten years before retiring and passing the torch to her daughter Alicia.

Deb’s heart belonged to her grandchildren—Quinn, Wren, and Ellis Thorson; Gunner and Gwen Gillum—who brought boundless joy into her life. Known as Nana to them, she was a constant presence: playing games for hours on end, walking beaches in winter searching for seashells just as she had done for over fifty years, swimming with them during summers in the Ozarks, and cooking their favorite meals with love. Her energy was tireless; always busy—sometimes too busy—but that was how she thrived.

Deb is survived by her beloved husband Gary Gillum; daughter Alicia (James) Thorson of Pleasant Hill; son Curt (Sarah) Gillum of Altoona; grandchildren Quinn, Wren, and Ellis Thorson; Gunner and Gwen Gillum; sister Gay Borg; brother Tom (Mary) Weaver; as well as numerous nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents Burdette and Connie Weaver.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on July 12th, 2025, at the Elks Lodge #98 located at 5420 NE 12th Ave., Pleasant Hill, IA 50327. Her ashes will be interred at Scotch Ridge Cemetery at a later date.

The family wishes to thank Julie McLaughlin and Amanda Hensley for their tremendous support and help in making Deb’s last few weeks as comfortable as possible.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Debbie Gillum may be made in support of Taylor House And Hospice at UnityPoint Health – Des Moines. Please make checks payable to UnityPoint Health – Des Moines and mail to: 1415 Woodland Ave., Suite E-200 Des Moines, IA 50309 or donate online.