Deborah Sue (Debbie) Berry Smith peacefully joined her Heavenly Father on April 1, 2015. Surrounded by her loving family, she left this earthly world just four days short of celebrating her sixtieth birthday.
Debbie was a proud native of Vina, Alabama where she spent her formative years. While subsequently residing in numerous states, she never wavered from her roots and her love for Alabama, especially her beloved Crimson Tide football team. Everyone knew to not bother Debbie on a fall Saturday afternoon, unless of course you were interested in watching Alabama football. Shortly after her passing, the family noted a large roar from the Heavens that closely resembled a herd of elephants and a tremendous outcry of “Roll Tide.”
Debbie graduated from Vina High School, Vina, Alabama, where she was the drum majorette her junior year and homecoming queen her senior year. She was a graduate of the University of Alabama with a bachelor degree in communications. She earned her graduate degree in communications from Webster University.
Debbie loved her country and served as a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force, both on active and reserve duty. Following her commissioned service, she continued to serve her country as a member of the United States Air Force Civil Service from which she retired in 2012 after 20 years of dedicated service. She also tirelessly and selflessly served her country as the spouse of an active duty Air Force officer. Her passion and legacy was caring for the junior enlisted and officer Air Force members always making sure their quality of life received top priority. A most giving person, her service to her community is well documented through her involvement with organizations such as the Salvation Army, HODAC, and many others.
She was preceded in death by her father, Gene Weatherford Berry, of Vina, Alabama.
She is survived by her mother, Murl (Hargett) Berry, Vina, Alabama; husband, Maj. Gen. U.S. Air Force (retired) Ron Smith, Knoxville, Tennessee; daughters, Alison Ledbetter Bearden (Kenny), Elko, Georgia, and Robin Ledbetter Smith, Rock Hill, South Carolina; stepchildren Rick Smith (Christy), Knoxville, Tennessee and Wendi Washburn (Matt), Fishers, Indiana; and the true loves of her life, her seven grandchildren, Ethan Bearden, Brady Bearden, Cole Smith, Madison Washburn, Emilee Washburn, Abigail Washburn, and Harrison Smith. She is also survived by her brother, Jimmy Berry (Ella), Red Bay, Alabama, her sister, Doris Lindsey, (Bill) Vina, Alabama, and numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Debbie most enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Known as a torrid “bargain shopper,” she delighted in finding that one very special purchase that would garnish “bargain bragging rights” among her shopping companions. But she was most at peace walking along what she considered God’s greatest creation, Florida’s Gulf Coast beach and/or reading a good book. But her seven grandchildren were the real joy of her life and true loves. She would forgo most activities to be able to curl up with them, popcorn, and watch the Wizard of Oz and Charlotte’s Web or attending their sporting, school, or extracurricular activities.
Debbie was a member of West Hills Baptist Church, Knoxville Tennessee.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate her life on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, in the chapel of McCullough Funeral Home, Warner Robins, Georgia. Visitation will be from noon-2 p.m. with a celebration of life service immediately following. Reverend Drew Pierce, pastor of the West Hills Baptist Church, Knoxville Tennessee, will officiate.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration be given to making a contribution to the Robins Air Force Base Airman’s Attic (Robins Enlisted Spouses Club, P.O. Box 98606, Robins AFB GA 31098) or to an organization of choice to help defeat the dreaded cancer disease.
Go to mcculloughfh.com to sign the online registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has charge of arrangements.
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