Deborah Ann Smith Gant Pope

December 17, 1952 - November 2, 2026

Some people come into this world and leave footprints on the hearts of everyone they meet. Deborah Anne Smith Gant Pope was undoubtedly one of those special people.

Deborah lived a life filled with love, laughter, adventure, resilience, and memories that will last a lifetime. She had a special way of making people laugh, even when life presented its toughest challenges. And challenges she knew well. Throughout her journey, Deborah experienced many ups and downs, but one thing remained constant: her determination to get back up, keep pushing forward, and find a way to overcome whatever life placed in her path. Life may not have always been easy, but she never allowed its hardships to take away her spirit, her sense of humor, or her ability to find joy along the way. Her laughter, quick wit, and ability to embrace the moment were just a few of the qualities that made her so special and unforgettable.

Deborah was a woman who could never be mistaken for anyone else. She was bold, outspoken, strongwilled, funny, adventurous, and full of life. She believed in speaking her mind and telling it like it was. If you asked for her opinion, you were going to get the truth, whether you were ready for it or not! She never believed in pretending to be someone she wasn't, and she certainly wasn't one to bite her tongue just to make everyone else comfortable. She was unapologetically herself, and that was part of what made her so memorable.

Deborah's life was a testament to strength, perseverance, and the importance of living life on your own

terms. She leaves behind more than memories; she leaves laughter that will forever echo, stories that will continue to be told, and love that will never fade.

Though her physical presence will be deeply missed, the spirit of Deborah will live in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Her impact cannot be measured by the years she lived, but by the lives she touched and the memories she left behind.

She was one of a kind, and there will never be another Deborah.

Deborah was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gregory Pope; her parents, Leslie Smith Sr. and Ruweda Smith; her brother, Leslie Smith Jr.; her sister-in-law, Marion Smith; and her grandson, Jacques Gant.

She Leaves to Cherish Her Memory Her Children: Deshawn Gant Sr., Martisha Gant, and Gregory Pope II. Her Grandchildren: Deshawn Gant Jr., Monica Henderson, Veronica Henderson, Charlie Gant, Emanuel Hardy, Samuel Hardy, Gregory Pope III, Sanaa Pope, and Taraji Collins. Her Great-Grandchildren: Melody Miller, Aubriel Gant, Sonny Banks, Rodney Banks, Zion Banks, Technaelle Henderson Her Siblings: LuWeda (James) Evans, Gregory Smith, Latricia Smith, and Vincent Smith. Her Two Amazing Friends and Sister: Deborah Smith and Lucille Rousell. A very special relationship with the Merritt and McBride families. She also leaves a host of special nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will forever hold her memory close to their hearts.

Visitation will be held at A H Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236, US, on November 13, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held at A H Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236, US, on November 14, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.