Deborah Bartley Hilburn

Deborah Bartley Hilburn, Passed away on January 20, 2024. She was born July 11, 1947 in Indianapolis, daughter of Edward Ross and Rosemary Miner Bartley. She grew up playing with her someday famous neighbor, David Letterman. She followed the family legacy to Indiana University, where she was an active member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority. She was also a barmaid at Nick’s English Hut, and would often sneak in her younger brother, Edward Ross Bartley III “Teddy”. After college, she met the love of her life, Jeffrey Woody Hilburn, who proposed in a small cabin on Lantern Road in Indianapolis. Debby briefly moved to Atlanta during Jeff’s internship, where their first child Matthew arrived. She moved back to Indianapolis, where Katherine, Jeffrey II and David were born. Debby cherished her family and was highly involved in their lives and activities. That love transferred to her eleven grandchildren: Madeline, Kathryn, Luke, Benjamin, Grant, Andrew, Jacob, Anna, Elyse, Connor and Rhys, who called her stylish nicknames like Grammy or Mimi. She spoiled her grandchildren with gifts and love, and they adored her in return. Debby was a lifelong educator, starting as a resource educator in 1971 in Washington Township, where she worked on and off for over 50 years. At the time of her passing, she served as a mentor for new teachers. She loved her students with the same passion as her family, frequently seeing them around town and remembering them by name. Debby loved to travel and led a big, happy life surrounded by friends and family. She will be remembered for her kindness and warm laugh. She is survived by her husband, Dr, Jeffrey Hilburn; her brother, Teddy; her children and her grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th Street, Indianapolis with visitation one hour prior. For those who are physically unable to attend, the service may be viewed by following this link http://www.stlukesumc.com/media Services are entrusted to Shirley Brothers Fishers-Castleton Chapel. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Debby’s honor to the Marion County Humane Society, 7929 Michigan Road, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46268.

Tributes

Deborah Bartley Hilburn

July 11, 1947 - January 20, 2024