Deborah Renee Smith

A Time to Be Born
Deborah Renee Bell Smith, lovingly known as "Debbie," was born on October 11, 1961, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Jurdie Mae Bell and Arnold Trent Sr. From the very beginning, she was a light - full of energy, promise, and determination.
A Time to Live
Deborah attended Mifflin High School, where she shined both in the classroom and on the court. A true athlete and scholar, she excelled in basketball, track, and cheerleading, and graduated as Valedictorian of her class - a remarkable achievement that reflected her drive and dedication. A true "Jack of all trades," Debbie held various supervisory roles and proudly worked at Pep Boys, Glick's Furniture, and Kroger. No matter the job, she brought leadership, charisma, and a sense of humor that made her
unforgettable. Rooted in family and fueled by joy, Deborah loved life's simple pleasures - fishing, roller skating, cooking, bid whist, poker, tunk and spades and she was very good at it. Getting lost in her favorite shows like The Young & the Restless, The Bold & the Beautiful, and Jeopardy. And when the music hit, you'd better clear the floor - she never turned down a dance-off, especially if it was to Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal or anything by Prince.
A Time to Love
Deborah's greatest pride was her son, Robert Bell - the apple of her eye and her hearts deepest joy. In 1987, they met and she married the love of her life, Lawrence A. Smith, and together they built a bond rooted in love, laughter, and faith.
She is survived by her devoted husband Lawrence Smith, loving son Robert (Kayla) Bell, stepdaughter Natia Edwards, sisters Victoria Sonaiya-Frimpong, Rhonda Holland, and Carol Bruce; brothers Gerry Gilliam, Dale (Jackie) Bell, Arnold Trent Jr, Anthony (T-Bone) Trent and Kent Logan.; a host of beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law Alberta Douglas and Jeanette Smith; as well as a host of cherished aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends that treated her like family.
She is proceeded in death by Father Arnold Trent Sr., mother Jurdie Mae Bell, brother Jessie (Blank Panther) Bell, Charle (Poochie) Bell Jr, sisters Kathy Trent, grandmother Alma Braxton, stepmother Barbara Ann Bates Trent, Cousin Sammy Lighter. In-Laws Lawrence and Jeanette Cochran, Aunt Sara Bobbitt and Uncle David Turner. Deborah's impact was wide and lasting. She touched countless lives with her bold presence, unshakable love, and joyful soul. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
A Time to Depart
On April 18, 2025, Deborah quietly departed this life at Ohio State University East Hospital in Columbus, Ohio and entered into eternal rest. She has taken up her new residence in glory - where peace is everlasting, the music never stops, and joy is eternal.
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