Debra Jo Smith
November 20, 2020
- Share:
-
-
-
Service Details
Debra (Deb) Jo White Smith passed away at her home on Friday, November 20, 2020. The family is planning a celebration of life at a future date.
Deb was born January 14, 1957 to Royden and Janet (Kimball) White in Garnett, KS. She was raised in Altoona, IA and graduated from Southeast Polk High School in 1975. She earned a Nursing degree from Marshalltown Community College in 1977 and worked as a nurse in the Des Moines area. In 1986, she completed a degree in Aging Services Healthcare Administration from DMACC and worked as a Healthcare Administrator in Gladbrook and Newton, IA. Deb and Robert (Bob) Smith were married on May 22, 2004 in Eldora, IA, and from there, she pursued her goal to become a self-employed entrepreneur, including as an owner-operator through Mara Transport, a business owner with Market America, and managing rental properties she and her husband owned. Following Bob’s passing in 2016, Deb returned to Des Moines and began doing grant work, creating and facilitating a variety of trainings and workshops, both independently and with associates.
Deb had a passion for animals and was especially connected to her dog, Hoxsey. She volunteered time at Wolf Ranch in Marshalltown, IA, teaching Faith-Based Equine Assisted Learning and Psychotherapy. She formed close connections with countless business associates and enjoyed strong relationships with her many friends and family. Her optimism for life was apparent with her frequently used phrase, “the best is yet to be.”
Deb is survived by her children and grandchildren: Trevor Smith of Des Moines, IA, Galen (Erin Davies) Smith (Claire) of Kansas City, MO, and Anisa Smith (Makayla and Ezra) of Eldora, IA; mother, Janet White of Denton, TX; sisters: Denise (Steve) Thompson of Montezuma, IA, Nola (Michael) McClaflin of Des Moines, IA, and Janice (Anthony) StClair of Justin, TX; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bob Smith, and her father, Royden White.
Memorial contributions can be directed to Deb's sister Nola White McClaflin at 3835 E 28th Street Des Moines, IA 50317.
Laura Kinnard
01/15/2021
Our time getting to know each other was so brief, but it felt like we had been friends for years. And what you gave freely of your time, energy, and sincere interest in others was truly so rare. We had a marketing meeting at the Runway today and we were sharing with a new business owner member about you today because we were celebrating your birthday. We unanimously decided to put your picture on our wall. Since your wisdom and positivity resides with us at the Runway, your picture should be on the wall as one of our founding members. And of course we will caption "The Best Is Yet To Be" as our constant entrepreneurial pep talk from Deb on days when we may feel defeated. So wish you were here with us in 2021. But we know you have moved on to the best!
Bonni
12/02/2020
Thank you.
Cindy
12/01/2020
You'll never know what a positive impact on my life. Even at SEP high school you always seemed to steer me in a positive direction.
My deepest condolences to your family
Cindy Gibson
Janet White
11/30/2020
i still cant believe you are gone Deb. Love you so much and will miss our many good times together with Bob and your Dad Royden. now you are sharing those good times with the two men in your life up there with the angels in Gods heaven. see you later.
Diana Meier
11/25/2020
I have known the White girls all my life and to have one missing just doesnt seem real to me. Though time and many miles seperate us you are all in my thoughts. Hugs and prayers for all of your families
Nola
11/25/2020
Its still so hard to believe you are gone. I rejoice in knowing you have been reunited in eternity with the love of your life, Bob, and with our dad, once again. Peace be with you all. Love you.
Denise
11/25/2020
Still feeling the loss of never seeing you in this life again. I pray you flew on silent wings, straight to Heaven, to be reunited with your beloved Bob, and our dad. Love you always, big sister.