Deborah A Smith

Deborah Ann Smith, known affectionately as Deb or Debbie, passed away on October 24, 2025. Born on the 4th of July, 1956 in Webb City, Deborah's life was a true example of generosity, thoughtfulness, and enduring love. Her caring nature and warm heart touched everyone she met. A proud resident of Webb City for over 50 years, Debbie's life was deeply woven into the fabric of the community she loved so much.
Debbie was dedicated and accomplished much throughout her working stages of life - from working at Southwestern Bell, a career at Leggett and Platt in Carthage, and several notable companies before her retirement in 2002. Always one to keep her mind sharp, she enjoyed genealogy, uncovering the rich tapestry of her family's history. She was a great cook - and was known for her Puerto Rican dump cakes.
She was a lifetime member of the Blendville Christian Church in Joplin, where she attended regularly when she could. Her deeply rooted faith was a testament to how she lived her life, always putting others before herself. Debbie's loving and generous spirit was most evident in her devotion to her family, which was her greatest joy and what mattered most to her.
Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Gregory Smith; children Stacey Struble of Enid, OK, Thomas Smith of Fayetteville, AR, and Tabor and Cecelia of the home; grandchildren Anna Struble of Springfield, Jonathan Rousselot of Springfield, and Miles Smith of Ft. Collins, CO; and a brother Bob Whyte and wife Susan of Webb City. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Awilda Whyte, and a grandchild Joshua Thomas Schachtner. Her profound love, compassion, and thoughtfulness will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to ripple through the lives of her loved ones.
The family will receive friends on Monday, November 3rd, 2025 beginning at 6pm at Simpson Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held the following day, Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 at 10:00am at the same venue with pastor Stephen Sansom officiating. Those honoring Debbie's life by serving as pallbearers will be Jeff Smith, Bryan Whyte, Mike Elrod, Terry Brake, Tom Maxwell and Rob Carey. Honorary bearers will be Ralph Fly, Alan Fly, Gary Whyte, and Steve Webber. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages a memorial donation to the Blendville Christian Church, in care of the funeral home.
Services are under the personal care and direction of Simpson Funeral Home. The family encourages relatives and friends to visit www.simpsonfh.com to share photos and memories of Debbie. Her life was a testament to love, and her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.