Debbie Smith

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

Debbie was born on February 12, 1957, at Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, to William Max Porter and Marilyn Sue Henry. On June 29, 2026, Debbie passed away unexpectedly at home, leaving a space in her family that can never be filled.

Debbie adored her two grandchildren, Rilynn and Dax, and they adored her right back. She was lovingly known as Moggie, a name given to her by Rilynn, with whom she shared an especially tender bond. Debbie was famous for “overdoing it a little” when it came to their Christmases and birthdays — a tradition that became one of her sweetest signatures.

Her nieces and nephews — Maryl, Barrett, Meredith, and Max — all grew up with summertime outings with their Aunt Debbie, where they were spoiled, cherished, and made to feel like the most important kids in the world. Her great‑nieces and nephews — Adalynn, Brynlee, Wyatt, and Lynna — were loved just as fiercely.

Debbie was the first grandchild of Emmett and Dorothy Porter, and from the moment she arrived, she was the light of their lives. She was the older sister to Jill and Amy, and together they shared a wonderful childhood, remaining close throughout their lives.

She graduated from MSSU formerly known as MSSC, with a bachelor’s degree in education and retired in 2014 from Joplin R‑8 Schools, where she touched countless lives with her kindness, patience, and steady presence.

Debbie married Mike Smith, and together they welcomed their son, Riley, and celebrated 40 years of marriage in August of 2025 — a milestone marked by devotion, partnership, and love. He survives.

She treasured her family and the traditions that brought them together: holidays filled with laughter, Florida vacations, springtime flower shopping, tending her tomato and cucumber plants, and her love of online shopping. Debbie was a member of Forest Park Baptist Church and carried her faith quietly but deeply.

Her family will forever remember her unwavering loyalty, her gentle way of seeing the good in people, and her gift for accepting others without judgment. She leaves behind her furry companion, Phoebe, memories of group chats with her sisters and niece, daily phone calls with Riley, and endless Snapchats with her favorite granddaughter, Rilynn — small everyday moments that now feel immeasurably precious.

Debbie’s love was steady, generous, and wholehearted. Her family will carry it with them always.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents Bill and Marilyn Porter, Grandparents, Emmett and Dorothy Porter, Loren and Leta Henry, uncles Terry Henry and Jim Porter and grandson Pierson Smith.

She is survived by her loving husband, Mike; her son Riley and wife Jamie; her grandchildren Rilynn and Dax; her sisters Jill Welch and husband Jerry, Amy Medley and husband Matt; her nieces Maryl Noirfalise and Dr. Meredith Dyche and husband Austin; nephew Barrett Noirfalise and wife Shelby and Max Medley; stepgrandchildren Abby and Carl; and many more extended family members, friends, and loved ones who will remember her fondly.