Deborah Jean Smith

In Loving Memory of Deborah "Deb" Jean Smith

1955 - 2023

Deborah Jean Smith, a beloved teacher, friend, and cherished member of the community, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2023 surrounded by her family. Born on November 7, 1955, in Mobile, Alabama, Deborah was the daughter of Ledger Gray Smith Sr. and Nellie Decker Smith.

Deb dedicated her life to the education and care of special education and visually impaired students, leaving an indelible impact over her remarkable 41-year career. Her passion for teaching took her across four states, including Missouri, Alabama, Louisiana, and finally Texas, where she touched the lives of countless students and colleagues.  Her  MISD family and circle of friends helped Deb evolve into the best version of herself, lifting her and helping her open up.  Her unwavering commitment to her craft was evident as she postponed her retirement for an additional year to witness the journey of her beloved student, Allison Smith, from the sixth grade all the way to graduation. It was a profound honor for Deborah to act as Allison's sight-guide, walking her across home plate at Globe Life Field to receive her well-deserved diploma. 
Deb's dedication to her profession extended beyond the classroom. She was an active member of the dog shows and dog breeding communities for over 30 years, where her expertise and passion shone through. Additionally, she was renowned among her friends and family for her exceptional baking and treat-making skills. Her perennial question, "What do you want me to make for your birthday?" was a testament to her generous and caring nature. Deb's crimson blood ran deep, as she was an unwavering and devoted fan of Alabama football. She proudly proclaimed her allegiance to the Crimson Tide, and her enthusiasm for the game was contagious.

True crime held a special place in Deb's heart, and she was often found engrossed in the mysteries and investigations surrounding this genre. Her curiosity and love for knowledge were lifelong companions, and she delighted in sharing her findings with those around her.

To know Deb was to know love and laughter. Her vibrant personality, combined with her passions for food, music, and the beach, particularly QFT'ers, brought joy to all who had the privilege of being a part of her life. Her ever-present tune whistling added a melody to everyday moments, making them all the more memorable. Deb will be remembered as a beautiful soul who left this world too soon. Her humility, strength, and infectious sense of fun endeared her to everyone she met. Sarcasm was her trademark, and she had a knack for sprinkling it on everything, creating laughter wherever she went. With a strong constitution and an undeniable presence, Deborah was affectionately known as "The Boss, applesauce."

Deborah Jean Smith leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and dedication. May her memory continue to inspire and bring comfort to those whose lives she touched.

She has been reunited with her parents; brother, Ledger Smith Jr.; sister, Patricia Smith; and many four-legged loved ones who held a special place in her heart.

Deb will be deeply and lovingly missed by life partner who gifted her with the best thirty-four years of her life, Brenda Schexsnayder; sister, Vickie Felder; loving and devoted nieces, Sharon Switzer and wife, Kari Denning, and Jessica Delmar and her son and family blessing, Elijah Delmar; nephew, Ledger Smith III and his two daughters and two sons; her niece of choice, Wanda VanGilder and her two sons; Brenda's daughter, Lana Campbell and husband, David, and their children, Peyton and Landon; her beloved fur baby, Sassy;  her QFT crew; and a host of cherished friends and coworkers who became family.

Deb's family wishes to extend their gratitude to Andrew Cisneros for his love, support, and always knowing what they needed before they ever did.  

The family will be forever grateful for the care and support of the Methodist HealthCare System, Dr. Brandon Roane, his nurse, Debra Shaffer, patient care tech, Lili E., and the team on the Oncology Floor of Methodist Charlton Medical Center of Dallas.  The comfort provided by Heart to Heart Hospice, although brief, made Deb's transition frictionless.

The river of love and support received from the QFT'ers, MISD family, and the loved ones collected over the years leaves the family with continuous peace and comfort now and years to come.

The family requests donations be made to the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, www.TSBVI.edu , or Home at Last Animal Haven Inc, www.HALAH.org , in honor of the legacy Deb leaves behind.

ATTENTION SPORTS FANS

A Celebration of Life Tailgate Party will be held on September 2, 2023 at the first game of Bama's Season!  A venue will be determined closer to time.  

"And all of God's people said...... ROLL TIDE!"

A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Debbie Smith on Saturday, September 2, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at El Primo's, 2300 Matlock Rd., Mansfield, TX 76063.  This will be come and go with a Service being held at 2:00 PM. Dress casually but Alabama colors are encouraged! 

Please RSVP to Brenda at 817-271-5461 by August 31, 2023.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Deborah Jean Smith, please visit our floral store.