To help financially during this time of great need, please forward your offering to Tom's sister:
Darla Wexttsen, 16738 N. Tolle Lane, Mount Vernon, IL 62864
checks may be made payable to "Grace Community Church"

There is also a deposit account set up at US Bank to help defray Deb's uncovered medical expenses.
Visit any US Bank branch office to make a deposit in cash or by check for "Deborah A. Smith Memorial Fund".
Please be sure to mention Charity Paddock or Nellie Haverkos to be sure the gift is properly deposited.

If you use this link to join iGive.com, then go shopping there, as much as 26% of your purchases will help the family.

RECENT COMMENTS (Add one by clicking on a post"s Comments link)

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Shared Notes to Deb and Tom and the family

Dear Ones,

A growing number of visitors to Loving Deb Smith have clicking on the e-mail links in the left sidebar to send Deb, Tom, Charity, Nellie, Jordan and the whole clan amazing words of Love and Encouragement. Some of these notes have ended up here as comments to other posts. All those who have sent these notes have agreed to share them with the growing Loving Deb Smith community. Please feel free to add your memories and loving encouragement to the comments for this post.

MANY BLESSINGS!
Peace and All Good!

39 comments:

Anonymous said...

Just a note

I was one of a handful of college-age young men living in the “House of the Carpenter” campus house off the campus of the University of Cincinnati when Tom and Deb married. We were all dazzled by Deb. She was young, beautiful, and just plain fun! She lifted the whole atmosphere of that place and won our hearts.

I remember thinking one night, “Tom Smith, you have done alright for yourself. Gorgeous wife, obviously loves Jesus, obviously loves you, a heart of compassion, and a generous dose of mirth and mischief. Man! I GOT to get ME one of those!”

I have always loved Deb. But when I think of her, the very first word that comes to mind, still, is FUN! Deb Smith has always been so much fun to be around, and has always had a way of drawing people into, and including them in, all the fun she exudes. I’ve been blessed to be an innocent bystander who got “splashed on” by her joy. My life has been richer for it.

I think of Deb like a sister in my biological family, whom I just haven’t seen or heard from in a while. I haven’t seen her and Tom for many years, but she still seems close.

Father, please pour out your mercy and your healing on my sis. Your daughter.

Blessings and peace to all the Smith family.

Randy Moody

Anonymous said...

From PilgrimMark and Kate:

Dearest Pastor Tom,

We love you and are praying for you and Deb!!
You are on our Church of the Holy Spirit's prayer chain as well.

Words cannot express how special you and Deb will always be to us. You led me to Christ, baptized me, taught me, counseled me, married Mark and me, and with us dedicated our son, Matthew, to God.

It is because of your diligence in loving and training up disciples for Christ that I am the Christian I am today.

WHAT A JUMP START YOU GAVE ME!! By your lives you and Deb have been my greatest examples of how to dedicate every part of our lives to Jesus. Deb was always the most down to earth loving and accepting pastor's wife I've ever known.
(Because of her inspiration, I recently bought a woopie cushion.)

I just led Matthew's girlfriend to Christ and am going through "Growing In Christ" with her. I also minister inside a women's prison with the Kairos ministry.

So, Thank you, Tom.

"We thank God every time we think of you."

"This is my story, this is my song: praising my savior all the day long." I think of you every time I hear it.

Lifting you up to our Father in Jesus Christ's mighty name. Kate

Anonymous said...

I am in Tunisia visiting some believers here and teaching at a youth conference. But I could not wait to return to send you my love and prayers. It broke my heart to hear the news of Deb's diagnosis. Deb, you are an amazing woman who has blessed us all. May God send each of the family an obvious strength and comfort during dark days. I will continue to watch and pray with you.

Susan (Goldberg) Rice

Anonymous said...

paula clouse said...

Dear Deb & Tom,
I cannot find words to express my grief and heartfelt concern for you during this unbelievably difficult time.

So much of who and what I am is because of you and who YOU are. You have loved me, fed me, mentored me, trained me, taught me, prayed for me, stood by me, believed in me, and given me more grace than I've ever deserved. Because of you I feel I know who Jesus really is. Thank you for that.

I am richly blessed to be surrounded by your words, pictures, books, and art, and I am beyond grateful.

I pray for you daily, fast for you weekly, and thank God for allowing our paths to cross on this, the "first leg" of our eternal journeys.

Peace be With You,
Paula

Anonymous said...

Deb.
I hope this first day of summer finds you feeling well and enjoying your porch swing. I am so glad that you are home. Please let me know if I can do "anything" for you,. Love Linda of LDH X 2 fame.

Unknown said...

Tom & Deb
Eater and I have had the privledge of knowing you as family. We are both devistated by Deb's deteriorating health.
Deb and I have a long history of standing in Wal-Mart and sharing all of our children & Grandchildren Stories. Deb, I will light a candle for you and Tom every week until you are healed.
I know you are in God's hands and he will give you peace. Love and Prayers to all of the Smith family. Eater & Deb

Anonymous said...

Dear Tom and Deb, Our family is praying for your family every day and we will continue to. You are loved and thought about often. Jim, Beth, and Carrie Phelps

Anonymous said...

We just wanted you to know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers daily during this time. We go to Grace Community Church and did not have the pleasure of meeting you.
Heavenly Hugs
Kim and John Salmons

Anonymous said...

I am one of Paula Clouse's Franciscan sisters and I just want to write a quick note to let you know we are all praying for Deb and for each one of you as well.
May our Sweet Loving Lord rain down blessings of comfort and peace and may you feel supported with loving kindness through out the coming weeks. Know you are being prayed for and cared for by many.
May you know inner peace, abundant love and perfect joy!

namaste,
Lorraine

Anonymous said...

Dear Deb,

There are only three people in the world who could have persuaded me to get into an Elvis garb and lip-sync "Hounddog" at Tom's 50th birthday party: Marge, Linda, and you. I think I could've talked Marge and Linda out of it. $50 for the last surviving VHS or firm evidence it has been destroyed.

Linda and I never stop thinking about you and praying for you, Deb.

Your friend,

Larry

Marianne said...

Dear Pastor Tom Smith,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Deb, Charity, your whole family during this time of deep need. You may not remember me, but I will never forget you. I was a student at UC, Cincinnati, Ohio (1973-1976). One day, Michael Cristiani invited me to the House of Carpenter for a bible study. I was so blessed to meet you and Deb and become a part of the Christian Student Fellowship. How you gladly shared the word of God with us and helped us experience God’s presence; Deb, at your side, exuding her joy and enthusiasm in the Lord, nurturing and supporting us ...Charity, only about 2 years old. For a couple of years I lived next door to the "House of the Carpenter at the "Girls House." I look back at those days with such fondness and appreciation. I am thankful to you both for your strong testimony and faithfulness to share God's love to me, as you did so many others. The foundation of my Christian faith was laid during that time. You brought the truth of the gospel to light for me. For this "cornerstone," and building up of my faith in Christ, I am truly grateful. It has been an "anchor" for me in times of life’s trials; I’d looked back to those days – the rock…the joy, the fellowship, the love and remember how our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever; He never changes, never slumbers nor sleeps. I sing a song of praise to Him and pray for Deb’s recovery. I will always hold you and Deb dear, in high esteem, as a dear brother and sister in the Lord.... my heart goes out to you and I ask the God and Father of Our Lord Jesus Christ to extend His healing arms, for wholeness, and bring about deliverance from all affliction, that it be lifted away from Debbie in the precious name of Jesus.

May the Lord bless and strengthen you, Deb and your entire family in the power His Spirit.

In Jesus’ love,
Marianne Lesch

Heb 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Anonymous said...

tasha dersch left this comment:

Hi, this is tasha dersch, i went to church when deb and tom were there. deb
was always so happy and cheerful and just a great joy to be around. When
kathy ellis told me about deb i wanted to cry. i cant believe this is
happening to such an awesome woman. deb will always be a woman i look up to.
she helped me understand that women can have a place in the church too. give
her a hug for me and tell her i said hi and to get better and i miss her.

love, tasha dersch

Anonymous said...

You don't know me but i am a friend of a friend. I will be praying for you and the family. I looked over the page and you have amazing children and grands. Be blessed. We are praying.

K. Walsh

Anonymous said...

I was working for the University of Cincinnati when my wife, Tricia, was seriously ill. I remember having a six month-old son and trying to juggle being with Tricia in the hospital, and with my son, and keeping my job (which provided insurance). It was horrible. I'm praying...thanks for this often-updated opportunity to know how Deb's doing. I'm trying to pray for Tom as well as I can; I wondered what his situation is...

Mikal Keefer

Anonymous said...

To read the outpouring of love here, from dear friends of long ago, or was it yesterday? - has reminded me of memories I had nearly forgotten.
I lived in the House of the Carpenter, girls house, and found friendship, love and support at a time I desperately needed it.
I didn't allow myself to get to know Debbie very well. I think I was afraid of her. The light shined so bright from her heart, I never knew what to say. I was intimidated by her strength and beauty. I watched in awe as she served God, her family and yearned to be a loving wife like she was. Watching Tom and Deb interact, I learned what I wanted to create in my own life. I wanted the same kind of love, commitment and relationship they had then and have now. It is a model of Christ's love for all of us. For them, it seems so easy.
I am happy to say I finally did find someone who loved me unconditionally and enjoyed a wonderful marriage that gave me one precious daughter.
My prayer is that God will bless Deb with healing in His perfect grace so we may praise Him and give Him glory, shouting from the mountain tops, Praise be to God.

Love to you all, M'lu

Anonymous said...

I hardly expect you to remember me….. but you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers..

michael goldberg
cincinnati

Anonymous said...

nancy eckel said...
Deb and family..

As fellow cancer 'more than conquerors' (we like that better than just plain old survivors), we can affirm that God is faithful... He will walk with you wherever this journey leads you.

Deb.. at a women's Bible study over 20 years ago, I remember you sharing what you said was one of your favorite scriptures. Ever since, I think of you whenever I read Psalm 103. May God's spirit comfort and heal as you remember His powerful words of hope:

1 Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits-- 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: 8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; 16 the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 17 But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children-- 18 with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts...

joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer (Rom 12:12)
nancy eckel

Anonymous said...

Dearest Deb,

I want to tell you a secret that I have held all these years. You showed me that you didn't have to weird to be a pastor's wife, and you didn't have to play piano and sing. Honestly, I never wanted to be a "pastor's wife" but you walked the role with such dignity and with so much fun that I always see you when I wonder what this thing is suppose to look like. I love you, love you, love you. I cherish my memories of you and our times of looking for a farm, women's bible studies, and all the laughter. And once in a while when I am tempted to "speak the truth" I hear your words of "grace is important".

xoxoxo
Nola

Anonymous said...

Dearest Debra,
just a short note. Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to have gotten to know you. The year and 1 1/2 that I played with you and the praise team are memories I will never ever forget and will cherish forever. You are a very special classy lady and anyone that ever met you walked away a better person themselves for the time spent with you. There are so many things in life I don't understand and your situation is one of them but I keep believing there is a reason and purpose out there for these obstacles. You are in my prayers and will continue to be God Bless you Deb Smith for allowing me to have met you, and to feed off your spirit. You are one of a kind and once again I thank you. Please take care

Your drumming buddy, Brent Hahn

Anonymous said...

Hey Girlfriend,
I'm packing up and almost ready to head your way. I can't wait to see you and waller you. (Is that really a word or did you make that up?) I love reading all the blog stuff..great to see all of the names from the past and how much everyone loves you. Of course you know me, I'm a little jealous cuz I love you best. I guess since you've been so miserable I'll share you. I'm praying for you all the time. God keeps reassuring me that He's taking care of you and won't leave your side. I hope you feel Him. Look for the soft touches Deb,they are there,just keep watching for them. Crawl into His arms and rest a little. See ya soon. Tami

Anonymous said...

Tom,
I read where you need a miracle. I'll pray for one. I'm not really used to doing that but I will give it my best.

Deb,
I hope you remember me. I certainly remember you. You were a part of my first Christian family (at the Campus House), that fellowship that helped me grow more as a Christian than any other time in my life. I remember what fun you were & the encouragement you gave me during my troubled Senior Thesis time. What I liked most was our times around the table when we all ate together at our evening meal. You & Tom were so gracious to encourage me to participate in the conversation since I was so shy. You both made me feel very, very special. That's because you both are very special & that is further proved by the comments on this blog. I have often thought of those times & tried to use them as a model in my daily interaction. Regrettably, I am not nearly as good as you at it.
I had hoped that maybe you could have taught me more. There have been several times that Marla & I have said, " I wonder where Tom & Deb are & what they are doing. We should look them up & go see them." But it never happened and now I am a poorer man because of it.
Deb, I'm not a good typist & it's even more difficult with these tears in my eyes but I wanted you to know that even if I can't get over there to see you soon I know that we will be reunited someday. Then we are going to sit around a table & have fellowship like we used to except we won't have to get up from the table & run off to do homework or a project. We can stay a while longer and 'catch up' to find out what Randy, Poody, Rick, CD & all the others have been doing.
Deb, I love you & I miss you. I really did not realize how much until I started this letter. It was difficult to start but I wanted to do it.
You are a jewel & I hope to get to see you shine again someday.

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Nabber

Anonymous said...

Hi Tom, Deb and the Smith clan. Jim Carrie and I are still praying for you and continue to think of you often. Much Love, Beth Phelps

Anonymous said...

I am visiting Cincinnati for a few weeks (I now live and teach 6th
graders in Bellingham, WA) and I heard you were ill. I have only fond
memories of you from FCC. What a fun and creative person you are!! I
remember you as being quite the artist!

I am praying for your health and that God will give you the strength,
stamina, hope, and sense of humor you need to keep going. God has
worked many miracles in my life over the years (FCC was a big one!), so
I KNOW He is with you and will give you what you need to keep the
faith. His timing is very different from mine (and perhaps yours) but
He does have the bigger plan that we cannot see, much less understand!
Take care, and I'll keep checking in.

Love,
Mary Beth Hughes

Anonymous said...

Tom, Deb and Family:
It has been some time since we have talked. I have been in touch with Gary Sweeten (mainly his blog). Each of the messages I have read say it all and say it differently. I have very fond memories of Tom and Deb. Deb is one of the most mature Chistian women I have ever met and she has never presented herself in any other manner. Tom was a very significant influence in my life which continues to bear fruit. We are on our knees praying for you Deb and we still believe God hears prayers. May God continue to fill you with His Spirit, give you courage and wisdom to face each day, one day at a time.

Jay and Vickie Slaydon

Anonymous said...

To the one and only Deb Smith, I feel as though time has different meanings for us all and sometimes those times are hard to understand. I do, however, remember a time that was not so hard to translate. It was this time of the year, we were at a gathering in the park on a beautiful sunny day listening to those who are dear to us praising and worshipping our God. If you'll endulge with me in memory and picture the young lad dancing so effortlessly all alone in broad daylight. Yes I saw Jesus in him and I know you did too. I can't remember the exact words you spoke the next time we gathered to worship but I knew at that time we had kindred spirits alike knowing that someday we will dance with complete freedom just for our King of Kings.

There is very seldom a day go by that I don't think about you dancing, praising, worshipping, and reading that gigantic bible. I felt like you needed to know how much you are thought of and most definitely prayed for. You are loved...Pam Mandrell

Anonymous said...

Dear Deb,

I was just looking through the blog and I realized I hadn't blogged you hello for awhile. So....hi. I pray this is a good day for you and Tom; that Tom's wit is razor sharp today to make you laugh. That God's peace that passes all understanding is yours today. And, Deb, I pray you feel all the saints' prayers that are going up for you constantly.

Larry

Anonymous said...

Tom, I am hopeful that you remember me from Fellowship Christian Church. My name at the time was Barb Campbell and my daughter was Jessica.

You had visited Jessie when she was in Emerson North Hospital for her
Bipolar and you gave her a jacket from the church when she was 12/13 and we still have that jacket it meant so much to her. Jessica went to her home in heaven on May 2, 2007 at the age of 25 and I miss her so much. However, because of you and your family Jessie believed in her God and Loved him very much. I can never thank you enough. You used to call her God's Princess.

I was at Linda Monday's house yesterday when she told me about Deb, my prayers are with all of you and I believe in the power of prayers and miracles. I will contribute in anyway I can to help all of you.

Tom, please hold on to your faith and know that God will take care of
all your needs.

In God's love,

Barb Campbell Chapman

Anonymous said...

Dear Deb and Tom,

It’s been a long time since we’ve seen or been in contact with you, but in our hearts it was yesterday. Where have the years gone? We just heard about your diagnosis, Deb, and wanted you to know that we are praying for you and Tom and will continue to keep you in our prayers.

I’m sure that Nabber will be e-mailing you soon, but I wanted to send this while I was thinking of you.

There is a chorus based on Psalm 55:22 that always is a comfort to me and I have found myself singing it a lot today on your behalf. “I cast all my cares upon You. I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet. And anytime that I don’t know what to do, I will cast all my cares upon You.” He is our “Care Taker”.

Of course, in all of this, Nabber and I have been remembering all of the fun at the Campus House. Our courtship under the watchful eyes of the two of you. Tom marrying us (Dave’s mom still thinks that it was the best wedding she had ever heard). Wow! That was almost 34 year ago! Now, our three children are all married (no grandchildren yet). Justin and his wife, Sara, (They met at the Campus House at Ball State) both graduated from Ball State and he is a CPA in Indianapolis. Nick and his wife, Leslie, both graduated from Johnson and live in Sevierville, TN. He is a freelance vidiographer and editor. Katie and her husband, Eric England (he’s from Illinois too, so you know he must be a great guy!), graduated from Milligan and were married in May. They are both going to graduate school at Purdue. I will say it again….where have the years gone?

Well, I’d better get back to work.

Know that we love you both and will continue to keep you in our prayers.

Dave (Nabber) and Marla

Anonymous said...

Dear Deb and Tom,

I have thought of you so often during this time. I want you to know how I miss you guys and am so sorry that I haven't been in more contact. Deb, I hope you are having a good day today. It is a beautiful day. Tristen and I pray for you and of Tom. Tristen ask about you often and is wanting to see you. He is getting so big and loves God sooo much. He may be baptized soon and you are the person he has requested that we send you an invitation. It is amazing how a child touches my heart and reminds me what is important. Is it possible to bring dinner sometime for you..I make a good German Chicken Soup...nothing special, simple.

We are trying to get focused with Telios again....man are you missed..leadership and passion.
Stan is doing well, he has challenges with his job, nothing tooo bad. I am working a second job....imagine that. I took a training to do DUI evaluations..I am doing this part time , private practice in Charleston with a friend. We are opening a office in Effingham soon and looking at Mt Vernon. A door opens...hummmm. The Lord is so good .
Would you like some help with something? may be just set with you, do some house stuff and give the kids a help...to come and do some extra for you, even mow, weed eat, but wanted to talk to you first.

Deb, I glad I decided to get past my shame for not contacting you sooner and I will stay in touch. You are loved. and prayed for daily.

love and god bless
joanna

Anonymous said...

Dear Tom and Deb,

I'm not sure if you remember me. I talked to Tom more than I did you Deb - I just remember your sweet smile. I just want you to know that you were the seed that God planted in me. I'll never forget the day I turned my life over to Christ. I want you to know that I've been praying for your whole family for strength and courage. Cancer can take a lot of our physical aspects away, but it cannot take away the love we have for one another, it cannot break our spirit, it cannot strip us from our Father's arms.

Please know you are loved and God will never leave us.

Love,

Carol Kaiser

Anonymous said...

I JUST FOUND OUT WHAT'S GOING ON....HUGS AND PRAYERS GOING OUT AND UP!!!!
I'M THINKING ABOUT MANY TIMES THAT WE HAVE SHARED THROUGH OUR LIVES...
MUSIC... BELIEVERS TO JESUS HOUSE... FUN - CANOE TRIPS TO COLORADO GALS ...
BLESSINGS - KNOWING YOU ARE ALWAYS THERE AND GETTING TO WATCH CHARITY
AS A NEWLY WED AND STARTING HER FAMILY...CATCHING A GLIMPSE OF YOU ON CHARITY'S
PORCH IN YOUR NIGHTGOWN WITH THE KIDDOS.
MEMORIES AND SCRIPTURE IS WHAT I HAVE TONIGHT.
I JOHN 4
"DEAR FRIENDS, LET US LOVE ONE ANOTHER, FOR LOVE COMES FROM GOD...WE KNOW THAT WE LIVE IN HIM AND HE IN US, BECAUSE HE HAS GIVEN US OF HIS SPIRIT....IF ANYONE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD, GOD LIVES IN HIM AND HE IN GOD...GOD IS LOVE. THERE IS NO FEAR IN LOVE. BUT PERFECT LOVE DRIVES OUT FEAR...WE LOVE BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US..."

YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN "GOD'S LOVE" TO EVERYONE.....THANK YOU!!!!!

MORE LATER,
NANCY BASIL
CINCINNATI

Anonymous said...

Deb and Tom,

I was on-line tonight and as I was looking through my mail and it somehow
occured to me to do a search on Tom Smith, must be God. I occasionally meet
someone who once went to FCC and I always ask about you guys. I was quite
unprepared for what I found out and I was sorry to hear about what you are
going through. I want you know that you are in my prayers. I have recently
planted a Church in North College Hill in a store front. We have been there
a little over a year and have seen a little growth. Of course we are just
depending on the Lord for everything and He never fails us.

I have read a few of the posts on the blog and they are beautiful and so
touching. I can only add my Faith and Prayers to the many thousands that are
going up daily for you. As you are going through this tremendious battle you
are never alone. The presence of the Lord is with you and will always be.
The resources of heaven are yours and the anointing and the ressurection
power of God belongs to you. My child know that I am with you and will be
your strength and source of health and strength. The Faith that resides
inside of you and that I have built throughout your life will take you
through this battle and My victory is yours. Healing is the Children's
bread! In Jesus' name. Amen

I have always loved you, Tom and Deb. You guys have always been an source of
inspiration to me and you have always proved to be a great example of
walking with the Lord. Thank you!

Just wanted to send you a message to let you know I will be praying
continuosly with you.

God Bless,

Deacon of the Door (Deb, do you remember thatyou called me that a few
times?)

Dale A. Endres

Anonymous said...

Dear Tom and Deb,

I'm sad to hear of your illness, Deb. You both are in my prayers.

I have good memories of both of you from 1974 - 1978. Greg Kalmbacher passed on the news.

Jim Foxvog

Anonymous said...

Tom and Deb:
I am guessing that you already know this but Jeff and I have moved to Tennessee, just south of Nashville. It is such a blessing to be close to Christy and JT. Ben has begun his masters degree program that will take 4-5 years. He is still focused on hospital champlaincy and has to have degree in counseling and M Div. Our 7 years at GCC has prepared us for the next step of what the Lord has planned for us. You both have been so instrumental in my spiritual growth. Please know that you are loved and remain in our prayers. I do not claim to understand why illnesses such as yours, Deb, happen but I do know that God is sovereign and someday we will all understand the "whys". I love you both.

Jodi

Anonymous said...

Deb and Tom-
I am amazed at how fast time has flown. I knew you as the wonderful couple who "put on Jesus" for all the rest of us as Fellowship was being birthed. I remember working as the church secretery for a short time at that beautiful old church across from Taft High School in Clifton, and seeing Deb come in to see Tom. I loved how you guys loved each other!
Deb, my heart is breaking over your pain, but I rejoice in the love that surrounds you. I see love and prayers flowing like small streams from hundreds of people, forming a huge river that will bear you up to Jesus throne in a huge swell of supplication and thanksgiving. I pray for relief from your pain, Deb. I pray for cool, sunlit days to enjoy this fall, and I wish I could be there to give you a hug and thank you for the example you are to all women everywhere. Know that I pray for you everytime you come to mind, and I pray for your family. Blessings to you.
With love and hugs, Suzie Cain

Anonymous said...

Tom and Family,

I just found out about Deb's illness. Karen and I will be praying for Deb, you and the "kids"

You and Deb were instrumental in helping us get through a difficult time in our ministry.

Fellowship Christian Church and Christ's Church Fellowship, through your leadership, opened
their arms and received us and the healing process began. You allowed us to experience love
of the body and ministry as God intended for it to be. We have thanked God for you folks many many
times since you left Cincinnati.

The impact that you and Debbie had on our lives is beyond description.

Phil 1:3

Ron and Karen Tate

Anonymous said...

To the loving family of Deb Smith:

Though satan should buffet,
Though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control:
THAT CHRIST HAS REGARDED YOUR HELPLESS ESTATE,
It is well,
It is well,
With your soul.

As Deb has left her earth suit, and has obtained her crown of glory, know that it will only be vapor of time before you see her and Jesus face to face.

As she is with Jesus, know too that He is with you.

We love you-
Tom and Patti Blount-Louisiana.

Anonymous said...

Tom and Family,

I am a cousin of Tom, I now live in Nebraska, but I was home a couple of weeks ago to visit my mom and sisters for the Piercy Reunion and was told of Deb's condition, I want all the Smith Family to know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. My mom is Punkie Clark, and my sisters are Carla Hamilton and Gayla Klingler.
So very sorry for your loss,
Marti Will (CLARK)

Anonymous said...

JORDAN,
MAY THE GRACE OF GOD BE WITH U . I LOVE U AND KNOW UR DEEPLY SORROWED,AND YET RELIEVED TO KNOW THAT UR MOM IS NO LONGER SUFFERING , THAT SHE HAS GONE TO BE WITH OUR MAKER, NOW SHE CAN REST AND BE TRULY HAPPY FOR EVER. GOD BLESS THE SMITH FAMILY MY PRAYERS ARE WITH U ALL..
LOVE UR COUSIN,
CARLA