Debra Kay Smith

Debra K. Smith, 71 of Decatur, passed away November 26th, 2025.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, in Decatur.

Debra was born September 6, 1954, in Decatur Illinois, the daughter of Elwood L. and Norma J. (Billings) Crutcher. She married the love of her life, Steven E. Smith, on June 11, 1973.

Debra threw herself into everything she touched. She was the President of the PTA at Washington Elementary when her girls were little, battled the crowds during the blue light specials at Kmart to snag a Cabbage Patch Doll for Christmas, and still managed to show up an hour early to her job at ADM every single day. She spent more than three decades as a Microbiology Laboratory Technician, and she took real pride in that work. But nothing topped being Grandma as that was the role she loved the most. She spoiled her grandkids with love, attention, a steady supply of gifts, and their favorite candy and snacks. She was the loudest voice at wrestling meets and knew the calls. She was in the stands for football and basketball, she clapped through every concert and musical, and she told stories about each grandchild to anyone who would listen. She loved music, especially Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle. And she was over the moon when her daughters took her to Las Vegas last year to see Earth, Wind and Fire for her 70th birthday.

She is survived by her daughters: Stephanie (Marc) Levenson & Stacy (Todd Lawrence) Smith. Grandchildren: Caleb Guise, Hannah, Ben and Max Levenson, and Brayden Lawrence. Brother: Jerry Crutcher. Brother-in Law: Rob Thompson, many cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as her lifelong friend, Debbie Aldridge and her ADM family and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mario Velasco and the health care teams at the Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois and the Siteman Center at Barnes Jewish Hospital for their care.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Steven, and her parents.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes at www.brintlingerandearl.com.