Debra L. Smith, 72, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025. She was born on October 10, 1953, the daughter of Lloyd “Slug” Gambill and Phyllis (Hudspeth) Brewster. She married the love of her life, George M. Smith, and he died before her in 1985.
A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Debra’s greatest joy was her family.
She is survived by her son, George Smith, and his wife, Tammy, of Centralia; her granddaughter, Cassie Stover, and her husband, Chris, of Centralia; and her two beloved great-grandchildren, Abe and Amelia. She is also survived by her brother, Steve “Slug” Gambill, and his wife, Carla, of Odin, her sisters, Vic Barnes and Al Hinderliter of Patoka, and Leslie Ferrell of Texas; several nieces and nephews; and her sister-in-law, Betty Fowler, and her husband, Fred, of Centralia.
Special appreciation is extended to her lifelong best friends, Tom and June Dillinger, and Mary Holtkamp, whose love and support meant so much to her.
She was preceded in death by her loving parents and her husband.
Debra was a dedicated and hardworking woman. She spent 20 years with the Hollywood Candy Factory before continuing her career at Antolin Auto in Nashville, Illinois, formerly known as Magna International, where she later retired after an additional 20 years of committed service.
In her personal life, Debra found joy in life’s simple and peaceful moments. She treasured time spent with her family and had a deep appreciation for nature. One of her greatest pleasures was taking her side-by-side out to feed the wild animals and then watching them from her window— a quiet ritual that brought her comfort, happiness, and a sense of connection to the world around her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 14, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois. A private family burial will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary School and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois 62801, which is honored to care for Debra’s family. Condolences may be offered online by visiting the funeral home’s website www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or Facebook page.
