Deborah Lynn Smith

With hearts full of love and deep sorrow, we celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of Deborah Lynn Smith—a devoted servant of God, cherished mother and grandmother, beloved educator, gifted author, and faithful friend. Born to Betty Jean Owens and adopted by Lloyd Green and Mildred Gary, Deborah departed this life on July 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and service that will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched. Deborah loved the Lord with all her heart. Her radiant smile could light up any room, and her gentle spirit brought comfort and peace to everyone she encountered. She selflessly poured into others—always eager to share the love of Christ through her words, actions, and unwavering example of faith. A gifted writer and passionate communicator, Deborah authored numerous books, including: A Whisper of Heaven, Intimacy with the Lord, Hurting Women Embracing Healing, The Jasmine Lynn Series, and several e-books. Her writing became a wellspring of encouragement and healing for many. Professionally, Deborah devoted much of her life to educating and nurturing others. She served as a tutoring instructor and teaching assistant throughout Baltimore’s private and public-school systems and also worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant with the Baltimore Health Department and private care agencies—bringing compassion and comfort to those in need. For many years, alongside her beloved husband Stanley Smith, who preceded her in death in November 1997, Deborah co-owned and managed a gospel shop that sold Bibles, gospel music, and inspirational materials — spreading joy and truth throughout the community. Together, they also wrote and toured with their stage play, “No Compromise”, leaving a powerful mark on hearts and minds. In July 2015, Deborah stepped into a role that would define the final chapter of her life’s work—becoming the beloved Pre-K teacher at Christian Faith Child Development Center in Creedmoor, North Carolina. Over the past ten years, she touched the lives of hundreds of children, planting seeds of faith, love, and learning that will grow for generations to come. She was a faithful member of River of Life Christian Church in North Carolina, where she worshiped and served with joy and devotion. Deborah was a lifelong learner. She graduated from Coppin State University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, earning numerous scholarships and consistently making the Dean’s List. She later earned her Master of Science in Liberal Studies from Loyola University in 2012. She leaves to cherish her memory: her firstborn daughter, Jochebed Smith; son, Josiah Smith; daughter in-love, Kristin Smith; four grandchildren, Maurice Alexander Sumner Jr., Jasmine Lynn Rabess, Kingston Smith, and Phoenix Smith; along with nieces and nephews and a host of extended family and loved ones Her most treasured legacy includes her deep love for God, her beloved children, her precious grandchildren, her siblings — Baseerah Muhammad, Yvonne Braham, Lisa Owens, Lloyd Green, Andre Green, Bryant Owens, and Darnell Owens — a loving extended family, and the countless students, colleagues, and friends whose lives were enriched by her presence. Deborah Lynn Smith ran her race with grace — fighting to be a living example to others. Her life was a testimony of unwavering faith, joyful service, a source of encouragement for others, and an unshakable hope. She will be missed beyond measure but remembered always with honor and love.

Tributes

Deborah Lynn Smith

November 24, 1959 - July 26, 2025