Debra "Debby" Lee (Smith) McAfee

Debra (Debby) McAfee (Smith) of Swartz Creek, MI, aged 73, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family, after a long and courageous battle with a rare form of thymoma cancer. Upon her wishes, cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Debby was born on July 11, 1951, in Flint, Michigan, to the late Jack and Maxine (Dehmel) Smith. She graduated from Durand High School in 1969 and earned a degree in Dental Hygiene from Ferris State University, along with her “MRS” degree.

She met her husband of 52 years, Mark McAfee, while they were both students at Ferris State University. They tied the knot on August 12, 1972, in Flint, Michigan. Debby worked as a dental hygienist for 23 years, starting at her Uncle Bill Smith’s practice and later at the periodontist’s office of Dr. Knowlton. After moving to Goodrich from Freeland, MI, she worked at Dr. Medamar’s office on Corunna Rd. until her retirement.

Debby enjoyed crafting and took pride in creating beautiful items for her family and friends. She also enjoyed baking, especially her infamous sour cream cookies that everyone loved. 

Debby and Mark shared a passion for music and attended 55 concerts together, creating cherished memories. In their youth, they enjoyed playing tennis and participating in various bowling leagues. Her greatest joy came from spending quality time with her family under one roof, where they played games like “catch phrase” and danced to tunes like the “Cupid shuffle.”

Her grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she treasured every moment with them.

Carrie Clark (McAfee) and Ryan McAfee (Dana) were blessed to be Debby’s loving children. She also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren: Madison Clark, Jaxen Clark, Tori McAfee, Austyn Clark, and Miles McAfee, as well as her bonus grandchildren: Alexia Planer, Alex Maiberger, Austin Maiberger, and Ella Maiberger.

She is survived by her sister, Sherry Kingsbury (Colin), sister-in-law, Karey Smith, her close “sister” cousin, Michelle Luplow (Jim), and son-in-law, John Clark along with many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Debby is preceded in death by her father Jack Smith, her mother Maxine Smith, brother Jim Smith, her father-in-law Donald McAfee, her mother-in-law MaryLee McAfee, her brother-in-law Larry McAfee, and her sister-in-law Elaine McAfee, along with numerous treasured family and friends.

Arrangements provided by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com