Deborah Lynn Ray Smith

Deborah Lynn Ray Smith, age 69, of Pascagoula, MS passed away on Friday, August 2, 2024.

Deborah was born in Union, MS on December 11, 1954 and moved to Pascagoula in July, 1957.

She graduated from Pascagoula High School in 1973. She worked at Singing River Hospital and held various other positions over the years including being a dedicated caregiver. She genuinely cared for others and would visit the sick offering prayers and gifts. Deborah was of the Pentecostal faith and a member of More Life Pentecostal Church in Grand Bay, AL.

She was gifted with an amazing personality and a quick wit. She was always the life of the party and had a unique talent for decorating. She was often asked to decorate for events.

Although Deborah had no children of her own, she dearly loved her nieces and nephews.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents, John and Josephine Ray; her father-in-law, Terrill H. Smith, Sr.; and brother-in-law, Terrill H. Smith, Jr.

She is survived by her husband of 41 years, Thomas (Tommy) J. Smith; her sisters, Denise Nelson (John), Dana McCart (Brock); brother, Dale Ray (Amy); and her sisters-in-law, Joan, Betty, Mary Ann, and Gai. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews; two aunts, Ruth Rushing, and Tressie Davidson; and numerous relatives and friends.

Pallbearers will be Brad Nelson, Jason Nelson, Joshua Nelson, Andrew Davis, Blake Fortenberry, and Richard Cushman.

The family would especially like to thank the staff of George Regional Health & Rehab for their excellent care of Deborah over the past 5 years.

Visitation will be Saturday, August 10, 2024, at O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula from 10:00am until 11:00am with service to follow in the Chapel with Pastor Mike Dillion officiating. Internment will conclude at Serene Memorial Gardens in Escatawpa, MS.

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