Debra Jo Smith (Debbie) passed away peacefully on Sunday January 19, 2025 at Sullivan County Memorial Hospital surrounded by family. She was born on April 27, 1959 in Milan, MO to Wilma and Jake Clark. Debbie was the oldest of 6 children, therefore she always had the best motherly instinct anyone could have, whether you were family or not she treated you as such.
Debbie met the love of her life Raymond (Harpo) Smith while in high school and the two were united in marriage on May 28, 1977. To this union two children were born Wesley and Cegi. Their love for each other shined brightly throughout their 47 years of marriage. They were a symbol of everlasting love in the good times and bad.
Spending time with friends and family was one of the most important things in Debbie’s life. She knew our time on earth was limited and wanted to spend as much quality time as possible creating everlasting memories. She loved weekend camping trips, watching the grandkids play sports, and just sitting around visiting for hours about the good old days. Her most important role was Mamaw. If she wasn’t out and about she could be found lounging around the house watching KC Chiefs football , Gunsmoke, or Wrestling.
Debbie is survived by her loving husband Harpo, son and daughter-in-law Wes & Jennifer Smith, daughter and son-in-law Cegi & Brian Trenter, grandkids Broc (Abby), Kamy (Jaron), Jenna, Farah, Brenna & Rynleigh and her fur baby Piper Jo. Also surviving is one sister: Sherri (John) Kelsey, Three Brothers: Ed Clark, Troy (Sharon) Clark, Bryan (Tina) Clark, brothers-in-law, Kenny (Beth) Smith and Frank Smith a sister-in-law, Cherie Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and extended family.
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents Wilma & Jake Clark, Stepfather Mick Clark, mother & father-in-law Mammie and Willis Smith, one brother Lonnie Clark, two brother in laws Butch Smith and Wayne Smith, a sister-in-law, Terry Clark; one niece Hannah Smith, and several extended family members.
A funeral service for Debbie will be held 2:00 PM, Sunday, January 26, 2025 at Ruschmeier-Smith Funeral Home in Milan. Burial will follow at White Oak Cemetery, South of Milan. A visitation is scheduled for one hour prior to the service, starting at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, family suggest memorials to White Oak Cemetery.