Deborah Rae Smith age 68 of El Dorado, passed away Friday, August 14, 2020 at CHI St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center in Little Rock, AR, following a brief illness.  Deborah was born on March 9, 1952 in El Dorado to the late Beulah Lynn Cook Smith and Raymond Elbert Smith.

Debbie was gifted with a warmth and smile that could light up the night sky. No matter which new city the future held for her young family, within a month of settling in she had already met the neighbors, set up play dates for her children and was hosting weekly dinners. Saturday's were spent with her kids waking up so excitedly, not for cartoons, but for American Bandstand and dancing the Jitter Bug. Those who knew her well envied her social ease and the radiance of her personality. Only the sun shined brighter than Debbie herself, and like the sun, people were drawn to her light.

Once her children became teenagers, their friends would come over to play games and hang out, telling stories and belly laughing late into the night. Her kitchen table was more happening on a Friday night than cruising the Sonic and she adored every minute of it. She may only have four biological children, but she was known as Momma Cary to hundreds of teenagers spanning almost a decade in the late 80's through the 90's and beyond.

It was during that time, as a single parent, she fulfilled her dream of finishing her degree at Southern Arkansas University. Shortly after, her mother had fallen ill and needed round the clock care. Without hesitation, Debbie gave up her teaching aspirations to take care of her mother until she passed many years later.

She was a champion for everyone, fiercely defending her kids, friends and always the ones considered underdogs.  The phrase going "Big Debs" on someone when it was time to get down to business became legendary.

Her grandchildren brought her pure joy and she loved them more than anything. They loved their Mimi right back too.

Debbie didn't have an easy path to walk in this life. At times it seemed she received more than her fair share of setbacks, letdowns and heartache. She always managed to make it work, come through in the clutch and never, ever, gave up.

Even through the hardest of times, she had an amazing ability to make everything FUN. Always laughing, always loving, and  most of all…always there. She was always there with a smile, hug, joke and her unforgettable laughter.

She was the life of the party. And she wouldn't have wanted her life any other way.

Deborah was preceded in death by her parents; and by a brother, Charles Ray Smith.

Survivors include: four children, Laurie Cary Russell and husband Andrew of El Dorado, Amy Cary of Shreveport, LA, John Cary Jr. of El Dorado, and Michael Cary and wife Paige of El Dorado; seven grandchildren, Brandon Russell, Zachary Molsbee, Matt Cary, Garrison Cary, Liliana Cary, Laurie-Anne Cary, and Ava Cary; three sisters, Sharon "Nonnie" Brian, Sheila "She She" Talley, and Shirley "Shirley Girly" Wilson; longtime companion, Rickey Smith along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, August 21, 2020 at Perry's Funeral Chapels.  A private family memorial service will take place at a later date.  Everyone in attendance will be required to wear face covering to enter and attendance will be limited to 50 people inside at one time.