Deidra Michelle Smith

1957–2026

Deidra Michelle Smith, 69, of Goodyear, Arizona, transitioned on October 20, 2026. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, Deidra leaves a legacy of faith, warmth, kindness, and devoted love for her family and friends.

Deidra was born in Los Angeles, California, in 1957 to Lee Wilbert Copeland and Daisy Mae Copeland. From childhood into her years as a young woman, she faithfully served her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and sang in the choir at Gethsemane Christian Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles. She grew up with her brother, Terry Copeland, and graduated from Locke High School. She then attended junior college, completing her training to become a medical assistant.

Deidra began her career in Los Angeles area medical offices before moving to Anchorage, Alaska. There, she continued her medical career with the State of Alaska’s Division of Public Health, Section of Maternal, Child, and Family Health. She took pride in her work and valued the opportunity to serve her community.

Her brother, Terry, remembers Deidra as a warm and loving person whose joyful personality drew others to her wherever she went. She deeply loved her mother and was always dedicated to helping her family. Her warmth and kindness made people feel welcome and left a lasting impression on those who knew her.

In 1977, shortly after arriving in Anchorage, Deidra met Charles Darryll Smith, beginning a friendship that would become the foundation of their life together. After the death of his mother, Deidra offered Darryll comfort, support, and friendship during a deeply painful time. He later left Anchorage for two years. After his return in 1985, they crossed paths again, and their friendship grew into a love that would shape the rest of their lives.

Deidra and Darryll married on March 27, 1987, and shared more than 39 years of marriage. In 1988, they left Anchorage for California and settled in Riverside, where Deidra worked for Riverside Medical Clinic. She later stepped away from her medical career to support her husband when his work with the Metropolitan Water District took them to a remote location in the California Desert called Iron Mountain desert operations. Where she supported her husband as he managed the maintenance of the Colorado River Aqueduct.

Together, they welcomed mornings watching the sun rise over the Colorado Desert. Deidra embraced the changes and new experiences of their life together with love and perseverance. In Darryll’s words, she was a “trooper”—a cherished companion whose love and care meant everything to him.

Family was at the center of Deidra’s life. She loved traveling with her husband, treasured her friendships, and held her children, grandchildren, and great-grandson close to her heart. Above all, she wanted her loved ones to be safe and to know they were loved.

Deidra was preceded in death by her parents, Daisy Mae Copeland and Lee Wilbert Copeland. She is survived by her loving husband, Charles Darryll Smith; her brother, Terry Copeland and his wife Valencia Copeland ; her son, Ranon Jamil Sam’s; her daughter, Daisha Marie Smith Robertson; her grandchildren, Jamie Lily Sam’s, Jannai Atara Robertson, Jasai Shiloh Robertson, and Sammy Enoch Robertson; and her great-grandson, Greyson.

Deidra will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives were touched by her kindness. Her love remains in the hearts of those she held dear.

Services are being arranged. Details will be posted to this site shortly.