Deborah M. Erlanson Obituary (1943 - 2021)

Deborah M. Erlanson 78, of Decatur, IL passed away at 8:18 pm, Sunday October 17, 2021, in St. John's Hospital, Springfield, IL. A memorial service to celebrate Deborah's life will be held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, October 30, 2021, at Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made c/o Richland Community College Foundation to support the David Erlanson Art Gallery. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at dawson-wikoff.com. Deborah was born October 17, 1943, in Watertown, New York the daughter of Raymond T. and Alberta (Schultz) McFarlin. She married David N. Erlanson on September 10, 1966. He preceded her in death on August 9, 1998. Debbie retired as the Director of Programs Development for the Decatur Housing Authority. She was a founding member of NWRAPS (Near Westside Restoration and Preservation Society), Past-President of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, and a founding member of DAWN (Decatur Area Woman's Network). Surviving is her son: Joshua David Erlanson; sisters: Patricia McFarlin (Zuheir Taher) of Mesa, AZ and Thomasine McFarlin of Oakland, CA; brothers: Brion McFarlin (Ladybelle) of Rochester, VT and Dennis McFarlin (Sabita) of Las Vegas, NV. Deborah was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and two brothers.