Deborah Ann Smith Marez passed away peacefully on September 15, 2023, surrounded by her family and loved ones. Deborah's spirit was released while being outside in a beautiful garden with reggae music playing, just like she loved to spend her days here on Earth. Deborah was fifty-nine years old at the time of passing, after a strong battle with breast cancer. She did not allow cancer to define her, instead, she continued to live life on her terms. Deborah was predeceased by both her mother, Shirley Smith, and her father, Leonard Smith. She is survived by: her eldest son, Eluid Smith Marez, his wife, Devin, and daughter, Freya, her youngest son, Emile Smith Hammadi, as well as her brother, Stefan Smith, and sisters Diane and Denise Smith. To sum up Deborah's life in only a few paragraphs would be an impossible task – but one we're still willing to try. Deborah Ann Smith Marez was born to Leonard George Smith and Shirley Ann Smith in Portland, Maine on February 26, 1964. After graduating high school, Deborah went on to attend Arizona State University, graduating Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in English. While attending Arizona State, Deborah spent time as a newspaper photographer. Deborah went on to fall in love with traveling the world. She would have lived all over given the chance. She used her English degree to teach English overseas to students learning a new language. Deborah had her first son, Eluid, in 1995 and that only enhanced her desire for travel. She and Eluid spent the bulk of his childhood traveling the world together. From small trips abroad couch surviving and working odd jobs, to living in Prague, Czech Republic for many years where they continued to travel more. She made sure that Eluid saw as much as he could and learned about different cultures and ways of life. Her youngest son, Emile, was born in 2005 after moving back from those travels. The family decided to settle down in Southport, North Carolina where her father resided. This is where she lived for over 20 years with her sons. She was a United States Postal worker for different cities in Brunswick County for over a decade. Even though she settled down in Southport, this did not stop her from taking both sons to different places. They went to places like Ecuador, Panama, and Italy. Both boys were homeschooled by Deborah so they spent a majority of their days and nights with her, She worked hard through many hardships and difficulties while keeping a smile on her face. In her final weeks, she was able to witness firsthand her first grandchild being brought into this world. She was so happy to have baby Freya in her life. Deborah was known by her friends and family for her pure love of travel, music (especially live), dancing, food, culture, peace, and love. If you asked Deborah her religious beliefs she would tell you love. She believed that we were all humankind and that we should be both human and kind. Deb had a willingness to put others first. If you knew her, you were loved and accepted by her regardless of your religion, race, sexuality, financial stature, or beliefs as long as you shared love and acceptance of others too. Her love for all living creatures was beautiful, especially her love for her cat and dragonflies. Not only did she love growing her own vegetables and plants, she loved fields of wildflowers too. Deborah spent many nights dancing and singing at concerts with her sons, daughter-in-law, best friends, or complete strangers. She loved spending time in the kitchen, outside in her gardens, by a fire, or soaking up the sun in a pool or at the beach. Deb was known to have the house of fun. This included being the place for her friends to gather, her son's friends to spend the night, and late-night holidays after the formal affairs were over. Friends and family knew they were welcome to party, laugh, or cry at her house… as long as they took their shoes off first! Deborah lived her life to the fullest in her way, though she was taken from us far too soon. Her memory will last a lifetime in our hearts and minds, while each of us push through to live the happiest we can in her honor. Please bear with the family as we coordinate and plan a celebration of life for Deborah. We will be dancing and singing for Deb at a later date when family and friends from all around can join together. Please keep her sons in your thoughts as they deal with the heartbreak and make sense of what the next steps are. Stay updated at Michael J. Fulwood's funeral services for more information.

Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to www.fulwoodfuneralservice.com.