Obituaries

Debra “Debbie” Darlene Lester Smith, 72, of Ridgeway, Virginia, entered her heavenly rest Saturday, March 7, 2026. She was born on May 31, 1953, in Princeton, West Virginia, to the late Robert O. Hall and Irene Lester and raised by her uncle and aunt, Paul and Ida Eanes.

She was of the Christian faith and loved by all who knew her. She was a woman whose creativity shown through her paintings, along with the handmade crafts which she often sold at the flea market. She loved her dogs and other animals. Cooking was a favorite pastime. Debbie was a dedicated employee of Food Lion, where she worked as a third shift manager for many years at stores in Martinsville, Danville, and Rocky Mount, Virginia, and Reidsville, North Carolina.

Debbie is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Doug Smith; sisters, Betty Lily and Judy Southern (Clayton); brother, Robert E. Hall; stepdaughter, Melissa Nazworth; nephew, Tim Kennon; and extended family and friends. The family wishes to extend special gratitude to Mabel, of Martinsville Hospice, who ensured that the end of Debbie’s journey was filled with love, dignity, and respect.

A funeral service will be held Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Wright Funeral Service Martinsville Chapel with Pastor Don Delancey officiating. Interment will follow at Fair Haven Memorial Park, 18960 A.L. Philpott Highway, Spencer, Virginia 24165. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.