Debra Marie Smith, 55, of Fernandina Beach, FL passed away Feb. 15, 2019 at her home after a lengthy illness. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, she had resided in Fernandina for the past 11 years, moving there from Louisiana. She graduated from Freedom High School, Bethlehem Twp. and received her AA degree in finance from Lamar Salter Technical College, Louisiana. Debra was a Contractor in Iraq from 2004-2008, where she met her husband Michael, a U.S. Army veteran. While in Iraq she also started her own business, DB Enterprise, which she operated from 2004-2012. She was an adventurer who loved to travel anywhere on a whim. She traveled to Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, and Dubai for both business and pleasure. She loved her family, especially her 4 grandchildren. She also cherished her friendships and had a deep love for her 2 dogs, Lily and Bentley, who were always by her side. Debra loved sailing, golfing, interior design, and especially loved staying home and being a wife. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 54, the American Legion Post 54 Riders, and a lifemember of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
She is survived by her husband: Michael; her father: Joseph P. Ackerman and step-mother: Gloria of N. Ft. Myers, FL; step-daughter: Michelle E. Carmichael of Baker, FL; sisters: Teri Whittaker of Marshalls Creek, PA, Dawn Corpora of Easton, PA; brothers: Joseph Ackerman of Shelby, MT, Russell Ackerman of Easton, PA; grandchildren: Jason Smith, Damien “DJ” Carmichael, Katherine Neisler, James Wyatt Neisler. She was predeceased by her mother: Nancy R. Ackerman
A Graveside service will be held 11 AM Monday (Feb. 25) at Northampton Memorial Shrine, 3051 Green Pond Rd., Easton; with visitation 9 AM to 10:30 AM in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.
Linda K Gordon and Darryl Billman
February 20, 2019 at 4:06 pm
Debbie was a beautiful woman in so many ways, her smile lit up a room. She will be missed, deepest Sympathy to you and the family, Prayers, Linda and Darryl
Donna Winburn
February 20, 2019 at 7:54 pm
Debi and I met going to Lamar for accounting. There were 4 of us older women going back to school for more education. We would all meet at her house for study groups and have a beer and study for tests. I think she was the only one out of us to graduate 🤗. She was a very good person and loved to travel like the obit said. We girls had a lot of fun going to school and eventually working together. Her enthusiastic self will be never forgotten as will our school days. Sorry for your loss.
Zaid Etoom
February 21, 2019 at 4:23 am
My name is Zaid Etoom, I am from Jordan I have worked with Debi and Michael smith in Jordan for almost a year or so , Debi and Michael were so nice, humble and kind as well and they used to trust me on their apartment whenever they are outside Jordan, as this meant a lot to me! As it’s hard to find people like that these days,
Debi was a wonderful person, she used to care about people everywhere, regardless where they are from! She was so kind , I really do feel sorry for her loss
My deep sympathy and condolences to all her family and people who loved her.
Jamie Moore
February 21, 2019 at 4:28 pm
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our prayers are with you during this difficult and grieving time.
Michelle E. Smith/Carmichael
February 22, 2019 at 9:10 pm
Mom was one of a kind. She was silly and funny and always there if you needed her. Her smile and laugh were so beautiful and unforgettable. She had the largest heart and loved her grandchildren with all she had. We shared good times and bad, and always loved each other. My oldest was the lucky one to have been able to spend the most time with her , but I will do my best to teach the youngest about they’re Mimi and how cool she was, especially when she rode her Harley, how many kids can say thier Mimi rides a hog! She also taught me how to be a good wife and mother, she loved my dad so much and I learned a lot from that. She was so young and I wish i had more time with her, but God knows what hes doing and I am happy she is at piece. We love and miss you Mimi!
Ann Hennebeul
February 23, 2019 at 1:23 pm
Deb I will miss you when I’m at Rich’s in Florida. Still remember the beautiful Christmas dinner you made for us. You were a very caring person and I thank you for your friendship.
Rest in peace
Ann
Rich Hennebeul
February 23, 2019 at 2:02 pm
Deb was always a true friend and will be greatly missed. My condolences to Mike.
Ann Hennebeul
February 23, 2019 at 6:00 pm
In my tribute to Deb I forgot to mention, Mike you were a wonderful caregiver to Deb. You are in my prayers.
Regards,
Ann
Isiah Ike Gines
February 24, 2019 at 1:00 am
My name is Isiah Ike Gines as I am sending my deepest condolence to Debi family and her husband Mike that I have known him from Iraq and Afghanistan. I met Mike and Debi in Iraq. Debi had a clothing store that made my life great because she would get any type of men clothing that I wanted. Mike provided the company with vehicles. So, when I needed a ride I would go to Mike. I was so proud to become a very good friend of the both of them. They also invited me to their home in Florida and we became like a family. I even bought their Corvette. I know for a fact they love each other not of what I heard but the love they showed me. Debi will surely be missed and I want Mike to know that I will always be there for him as we always call, email or text each other from the time we met each other and our communication will continue. May Debi RIP. May God continue to bless Mike and the family. Much love Isiah Ike Gines and the Gines Family.
Gayle Murray
February 25, 2019 at 4:25 am
Mike,
Just want to say how sorry I am for the loss of Debi. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
Bonnie & Fran Quattrene
February 25, 2019 at 9:20 am
Mike,
Fran and I are thinking of you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Debbie May be gone from our sight , but not from our hearts.You will always have your beautiful memories as will we.
Mohammed Pervez
June 12, 2019 at 7:25 pm
Sir Mike ,
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your wife Debi loss; my prayers are with you, I read on your Facebook.
Mr.Mike was our Country Manager for SNS CO in Iraq, so I know Debi that she is good and jolly person, they both lived together happily in Iraq as well as they ran businesses.
Mr.Mike also very good helping nature person with big passion and big hearth, even he don’t like any person then still he friendly taugh and laugh with him, spend time with him.