Deborah Ann Gilliam Linson

Deborah Ann Gilliam Linson, age 75, of Portland, TN passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026 in her Lake Wales Residence. She was born April 2, 1950 in Fountain Head, TN to parents Russell & Eva Gilliam. Debby graduated from Portland High School and continued her education at Middle Tennessee State University. She pursued careers in businesses such as the WSM radio station in Nashville, TN and Sunbeam Outdoor Products in Portland, TN. Later in life she owned & operated a florist shop with her husband, Allan, before they stepped into the world of Real Estate & Appraising. Debby loved the Lord and devoted lots of time through the years to her church by serving on various committees & boards, teaching Sunday school, and helping those around her. She and her husband served as youth leaders at Mount Pleasant General Baptist Church in the late 1970s. Debby was a board member of the General Baptist Investment Fund. She also enjoyed volunteering with many non-profits like Sumner County CASA, Toastmasters International, United Way, and The Portland Rotary Club. Debby was a member of Portland Chapter 237 Rob Morris Order of the Eastern Star until it dissolved, at which time she joined White House Chapter 222 Order of the Eastern Star. Debby served as Worthy Grand Matron in 2009 alongside Worthy Grand Patron Bobby Scott. She later retired on Lake Rosalie in Lake Wales, FL, surrounded by friends and loved ones. Debby was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 40 years, Allan Linson, and sister-in-law Pat Hudgins. She is survived by daughter Jennifer (Jesse) Hand; brother Kenneth (Ken) Gilliam; brother-in-law Tommy Linson; 2 grandchildren Savannah Hand & Marcus Hand; Nieces Mellisa (Jay) Hunt & Megan (Josh) Riddle; Nephews Kenny (Laura) Gilliam, Allen (Tiffany) Linson; Blake (Kaitie) Linson; great nieces & nephews Madison, Karson, & Peyton Hunt, Kayla & Eric Navarro, Andrew & Brenden Gilliam, Caleb & Connor Riddle, Kinley, Kylee, and Kambrie Linson, Conner Frederick, and Coralynn Linson; one great-great niece Kinsley Navarro, and several cousins. Debby will be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held on April 4th, 2026 from 2pm - 4pm at The Red Barn at Crafton Farms (209 Crafton Rd Portland, TN).