Debra Laverne Briggs Smith died peacefully on June 5, 2017, at the age of 63 after a year long battle with cancer. She was born March 18, 1954 to parents Juanita (Briggs) Jones & Hosea Briggs and was raised in the heart of Seattle in the Madison valley. After graduation she worked in multiple different fields before finding her niche within healthcare. She enjoyed her work as a clinical operations manager in a local Neighborcare medical clinic and felt fulfilment by making a difference.
Debra also was a very active member of New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, participating in choir, the health ministry, and various other activities. She also was a proud member of Bible Study Fellowship and spent 16+ years as both a student and then eventually a group leader. Even in the last weeks of her life Debra was committed to finishing out the 2017 program year.
Debra was a vibrant and friendly person who loved others and made friends everywhere she went. She had many interests but her favorite hobbies were travel and shopping. She also reveled in being a grandmother and often stated that her grandchildren were the light of her life.
Debra had two children; Nicole Smith Saint Clair (Nathan) and Rashawd J. Battles, and 2 grandchildren, Marion (6) and Allister (3).
Debra is survived by her Mother, Juanita Jones, her sister Bernita Briggs (“BeBe”), her loving nephew Chapelle Donnell Briggs and his children Kasia Florence-Briggs, Dayone Florence and Jemica Florence. Debra is preceded in death by her father Hosea Briggs.
Debra had many, many friends from many walks of life who will miss her dearly.
Debra’s home going service will be held at New Beginnings Christian Fellowship, 19300 108th Ave Se, Renton, WA 98055 on Friday, June 23, 2017 with viewing at 10am and funeral services following at 11am. Burial services will be held at Hillcrest Burial Park, 1005 Reiten Rd, Kent, WA after the service. New Beginnings Christian Fellowship will host a repass at the church immediately following the burial service.
