Deborah Helen Daugherty, 69, of Carlinville, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, surrounded by family who cherished her.
Funeral services were conducted on Wednesday, April 15, at Roads Church in Carlinville. Burial followed at Mayfield Memorial Park Cemetery in Carlinville. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
Ms. Daugherty was born on Nov. 15, 1956, in Carlinville, the daughter of Louis H. Daugherty and Maxine Bettis Daugherty. She graduated from Carlinville High School with the class of 1974 and went on to attend Blackburn College. Carlinville was always home to her, a place where she built lifelong friendships and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
She was known for her strong work ethic, dedication and kindness. She began her career as a bookkeeper at Loveless Pontiac Dealership and later at Bates Motor Company, both in Carlinville. She later continued her professional journey as a software support technician at Karmak, where she was respected for her reliability, patience and willingness to help others.
While Ms. Daugherty worked hard, she truly lived life through her many passions and connections with others. She was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and The Women of the Moose. She also found joy in music and community, sharing her talents as a trumpet player in the Carlinville Municipal Band and as a member of the Carlinville United Methodist Church bell choir. She loved the camaraderie of bowling and was a member of the Carlinville Women’s Bowling Association. Whether through music, laughter or quiet conversation, she had a gift for making people feel welcome and valued.
Above all, she loved her family and friends. She treasured time spent together, sharing stories, celebrating milestones and creating memories filled with laughter and warmth. She found joy in driving local queens in numerous community parades in her convertible. While she did not have children of her own, her many cats were her babies and the love of her life. Her gentle spirit, kind heart and sense of humor will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her life was one of kindness, dedication and quiet generosity. She leaves behind a legacy of love, music, laughter and friendship that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Ms. Daugherty is survived by her loving niece of, Elizabeth “Beth” Hanselman of Springfield; great-niece, Laura (Camdin) Morris of Raymond; great-nephew, Jevon Thomas; great-great-nieces, Wrenlee Morris and Brenlee Morris; great-great-nephew, Andersin Travis Morris; sister-in-law, Lea Daugherty of Springfield; sister, Kay King Thomas; cousins, L.T. (Brandi Chism) Krone of Carlinville, Norman Campbell of South Carolina, Susan (Randy) Rose of Gillespie, Agnes (Ralph) Knetzer of Gillespie, Karol (Jim) Kaufman of Moro, George (Becky) Campbell of Marysville, MO, Michael Campbell of Fayetteville, AR, Ada (Ralph) Peterson of Carlinville, Jim (Barb) Daugherty of Gillespie, John Daugherty of Quad Cities, Mike (Pat) McKeethan of Saint Charles, MO, Lois Teich of Duluth, MN, Emily Lind of Prior Lake, MN; and many extended family members and dear friends who continue to cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Louis E. “Louie” Daugherty; nephews, Steven Daugherty and Frank W. Hanselman; and many beloved family members and friends who welcomed her home.
Memorials may be made to the Macoupin County Animal Shelter or the Macoupin Center for the Developmentally Disabled, causes close to Ms. Daugherty’s heart.
Condolences may be left at www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com.
