Ms. Deborah E. Smith departed this life on February 1, 2017 after a period of illness.

She was a graduate of Parkland High School and attended Livingstone College & Winston-Salem State University. She was an educator with the WS/FCS System for over 21 years.

"Ms. Deb" had a love for education, youth, & her church. For many years she was the lead teacher for the Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church tutorial program. She was also a Sunday school teacher and worked in various capacities including Vacation Bible School. Her engaged spirit spilled over to those she touched which made children want to achieve because they always knew Ms. Deb had money or a treat for those who reached their goals.

Within her church, Deborah worked in several ministries. She played an integral part in the Missionary Department, sang on the Inspirational, Mass, Mother's Day, & Senior Choirs. Her competitive spirit added to the joy of the Rainbow Tea and she will be surly missed. She was a member of the Christian Education Ministry and desired to make sure that the students received their scholarships. She also enjoyed attending the Monday Bible Study and the Sisters-In-Christ Ministry.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. F. L. & Ella M. Smith; brother, Jerry Smith; sisters, Brenda & Gwendolyn Smith; and her step-sister, Priscilla Cooper.

Left to cherish her memories are her son, DeMon Smith; grandchildren, Da'Sha, DeMon, & DeMia; brothers, Thomas (Lois) Smith of Salisbury, NC & Michael (Velgene) Smith of Danville, VA; step-mother, Hilda C. Smith of Mocksville, NC; step-sisters, Cassandra, Marisa, & Vanessa Miller; God-mother, Rosetta Harrell; and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, her church family, & friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30pm Monday, February 6, 2017 at Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Dennis Leach, Sr. officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 12noon until 12:30pm on Monday at the Church.