On November 6, 2025, Debrah Jo Smith peaceful passed away at her home in Winfield, Kansas, where she spent her final days surrounded by familiarity.
Born on October 7, 1958, in Wichita to Russel William Brown and Nancy Jo “Jody” Utt, she later gained a stepfather in Bob Odell. Raised in the heart of Winfield, Debrah embraced the town’s small community values from her earliest years.
Debrah completed her education locally, graduating from Winfield High School in 1976 after a youth filled with local traditions and friendships. She married Jon Moore that October at the First Baptist Church, welcoming sons Rusty and Charles into their family before the couple’s later divorce. Her life took her to Ponca City, Oklahoma, and Amarillo, Texas, but she returned to Winfield in 2008 to reconnect with roots and loved ones.
Throughout her career, Debrah demonstrated versatility and dedication across diverse roles that served her communities. She worked as a nail technician at Nails Etc. in Wichita, bringing creativity to her craft, and as a clerk at the Butler County Sheriff’s Department, where her organizational skills shone. Later, as an EMT in Winfield, she provided critical care with compassion and quick thinking.
Debrah found joy in artistic pursuits that reflected her patient and imaginative nature, including crocheting intricate patterns for family gifts. She also delved into stained glass work, crafting decorative pieces that adorned her home and brought beauty to everyday spaces. A longtime member of First Baptist Church in Winfield, she drew strength from its fellowship and spiritual guidance.
Her family remains a testament to the bonds she nurtured, including parents Bob and Jody Odell of Winfield, sister Jana McDade and husband Dennis also of Winfield. Sons Rusty Moore with wife Amber in Arkansas City, and Charles Moore with husband Kevin in Mulvane, carry forward her legacy alongside five cherished grandchildren: Christopher, Emma, Josh, Davyn, and Mallory Moore. Numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins extend her familial network.
Funeral services honored Debrah on November 14, 2025, at 10 a.m. at Miles Funeral Service, followed by interment at Highland Cemetery, with livestream available for distant loved ones. A memorial fund supports First Baptist Church in her name, reflecting her faith and community devotion. Winfield remembers her as a woman of quiet grace and enduring warmth.