Debra Smith (Tulia)

Debra Jo Gragson Smith, 66, went Home on November 22, 2023. Affectionately known to her grandchildren & family as “Bubba” she was born as big sister to twin brother Robert Rex Gragson by 6 minutes in Memphis, Texas on April 10, 1957.

Debra is preceded in death by her mother Lawana Wynn Gragson Cruse and her two loving fathers, Robert Autry Gragson and Tommy Van Cruse, as well as her one and only sweetheart and companion for all of life’s adventures, Mickey Wes Gauntt Smith.   Mickey and Debra were married on August 12, 1975.

Debra graduated Valley High School in 1975 and worked as a Freelance and District Court Reporter after graduating Lippert Court Reporting College until her final retirement in 2023.  Debra was also a Master Beekeeper alongside Mickey and enjoyed passing this art onto grandchildren.  Her many talents and hobbies included being a stage mom for Tara and now to granddaughters, helping with many different livestock projects throughout the years, Civil Air Patrol, gardening, sewing, ceramics, travel, and many more.  

Debra is survived by her daughters, Wynter Cato and husband Paul of Silverton, Texas, Tara Shelburne and husband Phillip of Rockport, Texas. Twin brother Robert Gragson of Arkansas.  Her grandchildren Evan, Everett, Robert Grant, Shad, Landon, Brody, Ottilie, Cherokee, and Brittany Cato. Tristan Shane, Gragson Rafe, Jodi Lawana Shelburne.  Great grandchildren Ransom, Erik Autry, Ellisyn Eurielle, Payton, Payslee, Taylor, and Bentley.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM Friday, November 24, 2023, at Renata Sunset Cemetery, 1475 FM 3030 Silverton, Texas. Graveside services are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Tulia.

Memorials may be made to the Scottish Rite for Children, Development Department, Scottish Rite for Children, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, TX 75219.