Debra Kay Smith

Debra Kay Smith passed away on December 2, 2025, at the age of 71. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of fifty-three years, Mark, her children, Tammy (Nathan) Kapica and Angela Doerschler, her cherished grandchildren, Bryce (Jennifer), Jayden, and Rylan Baird, and Michael, Adalynn, and Kinsley Doerschler, and her two dear sisters, Linda (John) Jandasek and Patti (Scott) Ripley, along with many adored family members and special friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ronald and Lois Betts, her son, Mark Smith II, and her sister, Cheryl Sonberger.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Debbie spent her early years there, including attending Dixon Elementary. As a teenager, Debbie moved with her family to the Flint area where she attended Kearsley High School. Debbie still treasured friendships from these times in her life. It was during this time that she met Mark at Davison Baptist Church. Still teenagers, Debbie and Mark married on November 25, 1972 at Mt. Morris First Baptist Church, just a few months following their high school graduations and began their life together in Columbus, Ohio for Mark’s college. Shortly after, they returned to Michigan where they would reside until 1981. During this time, Debbie and Mark had their first two children, Tammy and Mark II. In 1981, the young family moved to Texas where Angie was born in 1985. Debbie and Mark moved back to Northville in 1994 where they have lived since. Debbie loved her family fiercely.

Her love for Jesus and her family came first, above all things, a value she instilled in her children and grandchildren. She was their greatest cheerleader and constant supporter, always pointing them to the word of God for strength.

Debbie was known for her warm and caring personality. Her kindness and caring touched the lives of many, and she truly never met a stranger. She had a gift for finding the good in every one and every situation. She was kind and funny, a woman of faith, who faced life with courage and hope. Her legacy will forever be cherished by her family as a committed wife, daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend to all.

Our mom's visitation will be on Monday December 8 beginning at 10:30am at Fred Wood Funeral Home in Livonia. Service will be held at 12:30pm.

Visitation

Monday December 8, 2025

10:30 am - 12:30 pm

Funeral Service

12:30 pm

Fred Wood Funeral Home

36100 5 Mile Road (East of Levan)

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Debra can be mailed to:

WellBridge of Novi

48300 11 Mile Road Novi Michigan 48374

or 

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital