Debra Kay (Debbie) Smith, our beloved mamaw, daughter, mother, wife, sister, and friend, returned to her Heavenly Father on December 16, 2021, at the age of 30 (for the past 29 years; she was actually 59, just don’t tell anyone!).
Debbie was born in Buckhannon, W.Va. on August 22, 1962, to the late Dale Lee Karickhoff and Mary Lee (West) Karickhoff, who survives. On November 8, 1980, she was united in marriage to Robert Lowell Smith, Jr. who survives. Also surviving are two children: Robert Lowell Smith, III, and fiancée Janeen Robinette and Krendy Lee Rosencrance and husband Kyle; four grandchildren: Xavier Michael Joe and Maycee Kay Marie Robinette, Zane Robert Lowell Smith, and granddaughter on the way Kyla Kay Rosencrance; two brothers: Jay Karickhoff and wife Terry and Steve Karickhoff and wife Lorrie; mother-in-law Thanna Wentz; and several brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.
Debbie’s caring spirit and generous heart could be felt by anyone she met. She had a special gift of helping people, but also an infectious laugh. She was a wonderful cook and kept an immaculate home. She enjoyed vacations to the beach and Disney, camping, and side-by-side rides. Debbie was fiercely stubborn and fought hard to remain on this earth. She valued her family above all else. She recently retired after 33 years as a wonderful and kind secretary for the Upshur County School System and landed her dream job of full-time Mamaw. She excelled at everything she put her mind to, but her greatest accomplishment in her eyes were her children and grandchildren. Family was her passion. Debbie’s strength, stubbornness, tenacity, and grace will live on through her children, grandchildren, friends, and now the recipients of her organs, her final selfless act.
The family will receive friends at the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel on Monday, December 20, 2021, from 5-8:00 PM; the family requests those attending wear a mask/facial covering. Following the visitation, the body will be cremated and a private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please pay it forward; consider the following organizations: American Thyroid Association, CORE Center for Organ Recovery and Education, or the Salvation Army.
Online condolences may be extended to the Smith family at www.heavnerandcutright.com The Smith family entrusted the Heavner & Cutright Funeral Chapel and Cremation Service with the arrangements.
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