Debra Jean Smith

Born March 10, 1951 in McLean County to Charles and Leona (Leslie) Kelch, she married Jimmy “Jim” Smith in April 24, 1972. He preceded her in death on March 10, 2016. She also was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Bob Kelch and Sam Kelch.

Surviving are one daughter, Stacey (Ricky) Bybee of Canton; two sons, Jason (Bobby) Smith of Manito and Dustin Smith of Pekin; five grandchildren, Ricky Bybee III, Jaxson Bybee, Jennifer Brown, Taylor Brown and Matthew Roby; three great-grandchildren, Braylynn, Harmoni and Takeila; and two sisters, Judy Felth of Normal, Illinois and Karla Kloft of Polk City, Florida and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves three beloved dogs, Tiny, Duke and Azlynn and one cat, Princess.

Debra was employed as a Dietary Aide at Pekin Manor for 24 years, last working on December 10, 2021. She previously worked for Vonachen Services Inc. at Caterpillar Inc. for many years.

She enjoyed doing Word Searches, attending auctions with her husband, going on Goodwill adventures and to garage sales. She was a mother to everyone that knew her and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, January 8, 2022 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Cremation will be accorded following visitation.

Memorial contributions may be made to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com