Deborah Smith

Mrs. Smith made her transition on Saturday, January 9, 2021 in West Bloomfield, MI. Please leave words of comfort for her family here on the tribute wall. Deborah Robin (Bright) Smith of Southfield made her transition peacefully on Saturday, holding the hand of her beloved husband of almost thirty years, Carl Henry Smith, Sr., while listening to their favorite love songs. She was 57 years old. Deborah was born on March 22, 1963 as the fourth child of ten children of Henry B. Bright, M.D., and Mrs. Barbara J. Bright. She grew up in Detroit, MI, attending Catholic schools, Gesu Elementary and Immaculata High School where she graduated with honors, and later attending the University of Michigan. Deborah began a career in accounting at Crain Communications, Detroit, where she met her husband, Carl, who worked at J. Walter Thompson. She married her best friend, Carl, on July 6, 1991. They had two children, Carl Henry, Jr. and Candace Joan, and chose to raise them in Southfield, MI. Together, they prioritized their children’s educations and made sure the family enjoyed annual summer vacations, among them, trips to Northern Michigan, Universal Studios and Myrtle Beach. Deborah and Carl enjoyed organizing events for their large extended families from fielding annual baseball games to hosting barbeques and board game nights at their home. They enjoyed traveling together, indulging Carl’s love of golf, Deborah’s love of spa treatments, and their mutual love for beautiful scenery and great restaurants. Deborah made a career change from accounting to real estate where, with phenomenal customer focus, drive, and professionalism, she built a successful business from the ground up. She regularly earned the Top Individual Sales Award several years from Keller Williams Home. She delighted in shepherding first-time homebuyers through the purchasing experience every bit as much as she did selling landmark homes like the famed Berry Gordy “Motown Mansion”. As a real estate broker, political activist, and active Southfield resident, Deborah was a member of several organizations including the North Oakland County Board of Realtors (NOCBOR), Southfield Chamber of Commerce, Southfield Commission of Senior Adults (COSA), and Southfield Total Living Commission. Deborah was a great debater, who enjoyed spirited political discussions. She was proud to be elected to serve as an Oakland County Democratic Precinct Delegate representing Southfield in 2020. Deborah was loved and will be missed by her family and many, many friends. Her motto was “Family First” and she wanted to protect her loved ones to the end. In accordance with her wishes, a memorial will be held for immediate family by invitation only. It will be livestreamed publicly for all family and friends from Kemp Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Gleaners Food Bank, Community Health and Social Services Center, or a charity of choice.

Deborah Smith

March 22, 1963 - January 9, 2021