Debra Elaine Smith was born on September 8, 1953 in Holdenville,  Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Thurman Olden & Redell Moore. She graduated from Holdenville High School and attended East Central University and Seminole State College where she earned an Associates Degree in Science. Debra was married to Gary Allen Smith for over 47 years.

Debra was a member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Holdenville where she taught Sunday School and led the worship services. No matter where she was, Debra never hesitated when asked to sing or play the piano.  She had a beautiful voice. Debra was employed at Seamprufe, Davis Correctional Center, and Holdenville General Hospital where she retired in 2020. Debra was a loving wife and mother.  She enjoyed watching old movies, listening to K-Love Christian radio station, writing songs and poems, and making floral arrangements.  She especially loved spending time with and cooking for her six grandsons and two great grandsons.  She was the best grandmother and great grandmother.

Debra went home to be with the Lord on October 27, 2023 at the age of 70 years. She is preceded in death by her grandmother, Adeline (Mama) Moore; parents: Thurman Olden and Redell Jones; and sister Vanessa Jackson.

Left to cherish her memory are husband Gary Allen Smith; three daughters: Cassandra Abraham (Marcus) of Edmond, Carlette Smith of Holdenville, and Debra Nicole Smith of Holdenville; grandsons: DeAndre Smith, Timothy Abraham, Joshua Abraham, Robert Silva (Briana), Savante Smith, and TJ Brown; great grandsons:  Britain Silva and Auden Silva; brothers: Caldwell Jackson Jr., Thurman Olden Jr, and Jackie Lee Olden: sisters: Juanita Thomas, Theresa Olden, Sherry Olden, and Sharon Olden; one aunt: Roxie Boyd; and one uncle, Napoleon Moore; numerous nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

Funeral services were held at 11:00am at Holdenville First Baptist Church on Friday, November 3, 2023, and Debra was laid to rest at Buchner Cemetery in Holdenville.