Debra Jo Smith

She graduated from Floydada High School in 1973, after which she did a little bit of everything. Sunday school teacher, PTA president, substitute teacher, truck driver, assistant manager at Allsups – these are a few of the many hats she wore in her life. Undeniably a farm girl at heart, her favorite job was running the module builder during cotton harvest. She treasured her family and had many memories of times spent with them working in the fields. She loved the Lord and was a member of Bibles n’ Boots Cowboy Church in Levelland.

Debra had a flair for baking and decorating. Her cookies were in high demand during holidays, and her cakes adorned the tables of retirement parties, weddings, and other celebrations all over Floyd County. She enjoyed singing and playing the piano in church. She was just as devoted to her dogs as she was to her garden and her annual endeavor of canning enough vegetables to feed thousands. A Yankees fan, she never missed a game, and her neighbors likely were aware of this. She played a mean game of chicken foot, and never showed up at a holiday without sausage balls.

Always organized, Debra was a champion at making lists. Tabs, folders, labels, and notebooks were some of her favorite things (and her children appreciate this right about now). She never passed a Sonic without stopping, and she never hesitated to tell you what was on her mind - whether you were ready for it or not. She spoke fluent sarcasm, and her Christmas tree was always picture perfect. You were in her good graces if she called you “honey”, and she took immense pleasure in saying things that made her children roll their eyes and sigh. She was a beloved Nana who adored her granddaughters.

She is now happily reunited with her beloved mother, Gleva (Ratjen) Smith. She is survived by her loving family: father, Billie Jo Smith of Floydada; brothers and sisters-in-law, Victor and Phyllis Smith and Johnny and Regenia Smith, all of Floydada; children, AJ Fawver of Lubbock, “adopted” son-in-law, Mike Mansfield of Fort Worth, and Lewis and Abby Fawver of Whitharral; and grandchildren, Grace, Faith, and Bliss Fawver, all of Whitharral.

Never one for ceremony, a funeral was not part of Debra’s wishes. In remembrance of her life, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to Donate Life Texas (donatelifetexas.org), in Debra’s name.