Debbie Smith Jackson

If you had the good fortune of knowing Debbie Smith Jackson, you undoubtedly remember her laugh, penchant for fun, and determined spirit. I’m happy to report that they never left her. Despite suffering a brain bleed in 2016 that made life physically challenging and painful for her, Debbie valiantly (those who knew her might say defiantly) fought to be here for her family, and not just be here, but to continue to find the joy and humor in life’s little moments. Few were the days that she didn’t find something to laugh about. Even near the end, we would find her in her hospital room cutting up with her nurses and bringing a little more laughter to their day.

Debbie’s story started on June 3, 1956, when she was born on the U.S. military base where her dad served in Bousac, France, a fact of which she was very proud. Born Debbie Pauline Smith, she was the eldest child of Wilmon Howard Smith Jr. and Ima Jean Smith who soon relocated back home to Raleigh, North Carolina. As a child she helped out at her dad’s various Tastee Freez locations and even appeared with her sister in one of their commercials. Her dad was soon called to the ministry, and the preacher's daughter lived everywhere he pastored churches including Eastman, Georgia; Henderson, Texas: and Nashville, Tennessee, where they finally put down roots. Debbie graduated early from Pearl Cohn High School in Nashville in 1973 before using her tenacity and grit to build a 30+ year career in accounts payable that brought her to National Life Insurance, Service Merchandise, and The Tennessean newspaper.

It was in Goodlettsville, just outside of Nashville, where Debbie lived out her best years after meeting her husband, Bill. They married in 1989 and welcomed their 2 children a few years apart shortly thereafter. She was proud of her family as well as the life they built together, including constructing their dream home on their own little Tennessee homestead. It was in this home that she experienced life’s beautiful moments big and small of birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings, and holidays. It was also where she saw some of life’s most painful moments through the loss of parents and in-laws and the illness that tried to rob so much from her. Despite the challenges her illness brought, Debbie operated with a strength and willpower to make the best of every opportunity and gained experience from those hard times she could have never imagined. Her illness taught her a patience she didn’t know before as well as a renewed trust in God’s plan even when we don't agree with it. Every day she defied expectations and brought awareness to the daily challenges faced by disabled individuals just by living her life. She caused a system not made for her to bend at every clinic and hospital she encountered and to implement changes and expectations that hopefully make things a little easier for the next person.

On June 25, 2026, the laughs quietly subsided, and Debbie Smith Jackson, was called home at the age of 70. She passed peacefully while watching old home movies and surrounded by her little family she was so proud of, the love of her life, William “Bill” Jackson Jr., and her two kids Rachel and Daniel Jackson. Debbie also leaves behind a sister and brother who she loved very much, Linda and Anthony Smith; son-in-law, Ramiro Beltran; daughter-in-law, Makenzie Jackson; and three grandkids that she adored: Michelle and Angelo Beltran, and Jaeden Jackson, as well as a special fur grandbaby, Turbo. Upon passing, she was welcomed into the arms of a slew of loved ones who preceded her in death. She is now reunited with her parents and brother Jimmy Smith, as well as father-in-law, Billy Jackson, and son-in-law, Luis Ramirez, along with innumerable other family and friends.

A private celebration of life will be held at Old Hickory Lake on August 8 for family. To honor Debbie's life, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation designated to stroke research to the American Brain Foundation.