Tributes

Debra Smith Griffin of Orlando, FL went to be with the Lord on May 9, 2018. She was born in October of 1953 to Winifred and Thomas Buckley of Patterson City, NJ. She was blessed with two loving husbands who have preceded her in death. She was a loving mother who believed in providing a home for children and did so for over 20 years as a Foster and Adoptive parent. Debi married Arthur Smith Sr. in 1975 and gave birth to two children, Kimberley N Poteet and Cindi-Jean Garrett. She enjoyed family activities such as bowling with a league and participating in events with her church. In 1985 she began the adoption process with HOLT International to bring Bradford T Smith into her family. Upon moving to Dunnellon, FL in 1989 Debi and Art became foster parents with the FL Department of Children and Families. Through them they adopted three children, Shane Smith, Timothy Smith, and Theodore Smith while also completing another international adoption for Ryan Smith. Debi was active in the Dunnellon Presbyterian Church and Dunnellon Women’s Club as well as being an active foster parent with the Citrus County Foster Parents Association. She received the Woman of the Year honors from the Dunnellon Women’s Club. She lost her husband in 1993 but continued to foster children. Debi married Bruce Griffin Sr. in 1995 and moved to Cape Coral, FL. There she became an active member of the Lee County Foster Association and proceeded to adopt Kathie-Lee Griffin, Bruce Griffin Jr., Sierra Griffin, Callista Griffin, and Mackenzie Griffin. Her family moved to the Orlando area in 1998 and together enjoyed all things Disney. Upon moving to the area Debi became active in her church, Woodbury Presbyterian, and participated in many activities with them to include their food pantry until her health no longer allowed for these activities. Along with the twelve children listed above, she is also survived by five step children, Arthur Smith Jr, Sharon Smith, Suzannah Griffin, Kristin Griffin, and Charles Griffin. She is also survived by her brother, Kenneth Buckley, of Ocala, FL. Debi dedicated her life to her family and caring for children. She will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother and friend. Her friends and family will miss her beautiful smile and her big heart that was always filled with love and generosity. The family would like to thank many of the great friends who have cared for her over the years. A memorial service is being held at Woodbury Presbyterian Church on Tuesday May 15, 2018 at 6:30pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Debi’s honor to the Food Pantry at Woodbury Presbyterian Church in Orlando, FL.

Tributes

Debra Smith Griffin

October 31, 1953 - May 9, 2018