Deborah Gail Dennis, 68, of Galesburg, died Sunday, December 8, 2019, at home. Deb was born June 3, 1951, in Galesburg, the daughter of Conley and Dorothy Willadee (Bramlett) Ferguson. Deb married Gary M. “Mickey” Dennis on December 22, 1967, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death in 2013. She is survived by one son, Chad (Becky) Dennis of Milwaukee, WI; one daughter, Cassie (Brad) Cirimotich of Galesburg; four grandchildren, Thorne Knisley, Logan Cirimotich, Taylor Dennis, and Ellie Dennis; and two great-grandchildren, Anselmaria and Abraham Knisley.
Deb was a 1983 graduate of Knox College, earning a bachelor of arts degree in English — Creative Writing; and for a year and a half, she did graduate work in English — Teaching Composition Theory and Practice, at Bradley University. Deb worked in public relations as an editorial assistant and feature writer, a broadcast journalist, college English, and Journalism instructor and freelance writer for local businesses and schools.
A prolific writer, Deb had completed writing two books and was currently working on her third book in her “Catherine Ann Callaway History Series.” She also wrote an online genealogy and family history blog titled “Bramblette Family in America,” as well as writing poetry. She also loved being outside working on her garden and spending time fishing.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will be 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, December 13, 2019, at The Kensington Garden Room, 311 E. Simmons St., Galesburg, IL. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made in Deb’s memory to the FISH Food Pantry. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
