Debra Lynn (Gray) Smith

Debra Lynn Smith, age 76, of Tipton, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 23, 1947 to her parents, Fred Gray and Elizabeth “Maxine” (Spay) Gray. Debbie married the love of her life Roland Smith on March 30, 1967 in Metamoros, Mexico. He preceded her in death on August 16, 1971.  

Debbie attended Tipton High School and graduated in the class of 1966. She always had an impeccable work ethic and thrived in jobs of service. Through the years, Debbie worked for Tipton Tribune, Pizza King, Carters Supermarket, Burger King, and Emmanuel Lutheran Daycare.  

In Debbie’s younger years, she played slow pitch softball and enjoyed bowling on several leagues for Suburban Lanes in Tipton. She was a social butterfly throughout her life. She had a way of putting others at ease, with her calm and nurturing demeanor. People often said that Debbie never knew a stranger, and that if you wanted to know anything to just ask Debbie because she would know. It’s safe to say that Debbie held a special place in many people’s lives. She was an encourager, someone others could trust, and was a lot of fun to spend time with. She will be truly missed, especially by her kids, grandkids and great grandkids whom she absolutely adored!  

Those left to carry on Debbie’s legacy of love are her children, James Smith, Angie (Rich) Bitner; grandchildren, Karleen (Jayson) Miller, Korrine Miller, Keaten (Lauren) Miller, Michael (Christine) Bitner, Tiffany Johnston, Tammy (Silvano) Ocampo; great grandchildren, Jaxson, Valerie, Keith, Harley, Zaedyn, Kailey, Raiden, Diego; siblings, Phyllis Fletcher, Annie (Bud) Stevens; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.  

Debbie was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, Fred & Elizabeth Gray; husband, Roland Smith; sister, Martha Peters; and several in laws. 

A funeral service celebrating Debbie’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home, located at 314 N. Main Street in Tipton, with Pastor Adam Rinehart officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held prior to the service from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Burial will take place immediately following the service in Tipton’s Fairview Cemetery.   

The family of Debbie Smith would like to extend tremendous thanks to The Waters of Tipton, and Guardian Angel Hospice for the exceptional care they provided. Your services were so greatly appreciated!   

Taylor & Cowan Funeral Home is honored to serve the Smith family in their time of need. Please feel free to leave an online condolence or share a special memory of Debbie with her family on her tribute wall.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Debra Lynn (Gray) Smith, please visit our floral store.