Debra Sue Smith's Obituary
In Loving Memory of Debra Sue Smith
Debra Sue Smith, 66, of Sand Springs, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at her home on May 11, 2025. Born on May 10, 1959, in Miami, Oklahoma, to Luther Shelby Lowrey, Jr and Donna Sue Webb, Debra lived a life guided by her unwavering independence, kindness, and deep love for nature.
A free spirit in every sense of the word, Debra embraced life untangled, determined to chart her own course. Her son Jeffrey lovingly described her as "the most bull-headed woman" he ever met, but beneath that stubborn streak was a heart full of warmth and compassion. She never hesitated to help others, whether they were family, friends, or even the creatures she found along her path.
Debra found solace in the great outdoors—camping, fishing, hunting, and hiking were not just hobbies but essential parts of her soul. No one could out-fish her, and she was always prepared for whatever adventure lay ahead. She cherished travel, seeking out new places and experiences that enriched her life in immeasurable ways.
Debra spent her life devoted to her love of family and adventures but also to her love of God. Debra was a Chrisrtian and devoted her life to God through baptism at Church on the Move.
Above all else, Debra loved her family and friends, who became an extension of her heart. She carried burdens quietly, never wanting to trouble others with her own pain. Her resourcefulness extended beyond the wilderness—she pursued diverse careers, becoming an auto mechanic, a truck driver, florist, and even a locksmith. Though her true dream was to become a veterinarian, her claustrophobia kept her from following that path. Nevertheless, her love for animals knew no bounds, as she rescued every creature she could—from tiny lizards stuck to glue traps to harmless spiders in the sink. She raised all manner of animals, from rattlesnakes to possums, cats, dogs, and even the infamous Little Ricky Bird, who entertained and exasperated her loved ones in equal measure.
Debra’s absence leaves an immeasurable void, but her words remain a comforting echo: “Just know that I love ya, and don’t cry.” Her spirit will live on in the memories of those who were blessed to know her, and in the beauty of the natural world she so adored.
She will be deeply missed but never forgotten and always loved.
What’s your fondest memory of Debra?
What’s a lesson you learned from Debra?
Share a story where Debra's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Debra you’ll never forget.
How did Debra make you smile?
