Deborah Jean Smith Ford
July 10, 1950 - February 23, 2025

Deborah Smith Ford, 74, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away February 23, 2025, at home with her family after a courageous two-year battle with cancer.

Debbie was married for 50 years to her loving husband, Alton Ford. She was the beloved daughter-in-law of the late Albert and Bonnie Ford of Taylorsville, MS.

Survivors include:  daughters, Courtney Baldwin (Kyle) and Leah Groveman (Israel); grandchildren Quinn, Cora, and Dakota Groveman; siblings Jacqueline (Campbell), Matthew, Teresa, Victoria (Wheeler), Pamela (Bickford), Richard, Daniel, and numerous other family and friends.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Richard Smith and Betty Jane Pike.

Debbie was born in Sodus Point, New York, on July 10, 1950. She was a devoted follower of Christ, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother and Awana teacher.

Prior to her marriage, she worked as a dental hygienist. After her children had "flown the nest," she embarked on a new career as an actress, model and in independent film production.  She was a founding member and past president of the group, United Film and Television Artists, of southwest Florida.

Debbie starred in a national Citracal TV commercial and appeared in several feature films.

She was a "tribute artist" (celebrity impersonator) who had several characters in her repertoire including "Trinity" from the Matrix movies.

Debbie was an accomplished author, writing seven children's books.

Accomplishments aside, Debbie is remembered for her loving and "never met a stranger" personality. Other words used by her friends to describe her include "a beacon of kindness and warmth," and "unwavering compassion and generosity."

A graveside service honoring Debbie will take place Saturday, March 8, 2025, 2:00 pm, at the Edon Baptist Church Cemetery, west of Stringer, MS. Pastor P.J. Weeks will lead the service.  Mississippi arrangements are being handled by Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel.