DEBORAH KAY (GIBSON) SMITH

In Memory of Deborah Kay Gibson Smith 

Deborah (Debbie) Kay Smith, 71, went to be with Lord on May 21, 2023, at her home in Midwest City. She was born February 10, 1952, in Oklahoma City, OK, the daughter of Leon Gibson and Ina Lee Daniel. 
Debbie graduated from Duncan High School in Duncan, OK. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Cameron University in Lawton, OK. She served in the United States Air Force as a medical technician in the ER, Air Evac, and Pediatric Department from 1970-1988. She rose to the rank of Technical Sergeant and NCOIC in charge of her department. She served at Tinker Air Force Base, Altus Air Force Base, Sheppard Air Force Base, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, and Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, IL. 
During this time, she was married to Jackie Ray Smith from 1977-1989, and they had two children. After her service in the military, she returned to Oklahoma and began pursuing her BS in nursing. Upon graduation, she began working at Duncan Regional Hospital. She later went to work in home health care. She became the Director of Nursing in several nursing homes. After retiring from nursing, she enjoyed working for the State of Oklahoma with the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission for 14 years. 
Debbie was a member of Meadowood Baptist Church in Midwest City, OK, where she often worked with children and youth activities. She was a former member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Duncan, OK. She loved her churches and was a student of the Bible, keeping countless pages of sermon notes throughout many years. 
She was an avid sports fan. She bled orange and black for her beloved Oklahoma State University Cowboys. She also loved hockey, taking her family and friends to many Blazers games. She enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the Atlanta Braves. Another favorite sport was NASCAR; she liked watching the races and visiting the race tracks whenever possible. 
She contributed to many philanthropic organizations that provided services to children and ministries for those less fortunate. She was a faithful contributor to K-LOVE, a Christian music radio ministry. She was an avid reader. But most of all, she loved her family and always treasured time spent together. All of the kids in the family knew her as Bebe (bibi), which is Swahili for grandmother. 
Her life could be characterized by calling her a servant. She was the most selfless person, never putting herself first. She loved everyone and accepted all just as they were. She was strong, smart, and stubborn almost to a fault. She was loved by all who knew her. 
Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Leon Gibson and Ina Lee Daniel in addition to a brother, Donald Ray Gibson. 
She is survived by daughter Kristie Diane Smith of Midwest City; daughter Kelli Gayle (Smith) Burkett and husband Ryan of Oviedo, FL; grandchildren Beth Ann Smith-Dunn, Kaytlin Sky Dunn, Henry Lucas Burkett and Charlie William Burkett. Three sisters: Rhea Harris of Duncan, OK, Gayle Campbell and husband Dan Campbell of Harrah, OK, and Annie Bennett and husband Roger of Duncan, OK.; two brothers: William Owen Gibson of Midwest City, OK and Bill (Tinker) Richards of Pryor, OK.,  and several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and an untold number of “strays” that became family along the way. 
The viewing was held Wednesday, May 24 at Willowbrook Chapel in Oklahoma City, OK. 
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Sunday, May 28 at Faith Baptist Church in Harrah, OK. The service will be officiated by Dr. Dan Campbell, Debbie’s brother-in-law.   

“We can no longer see you with our eyes or touch you with our hands, but we will carry you in our hearts forever.”

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