Deborah Kay Korzenko was born as Deborah Kay Smith in a Jones County, MS, hospital on April 4, 1957, to the late Lena Weaver Smith and William Smith of Wayne County, MS. Debbie sadly passed away on the evening of August 16, 2021, in Laurel, MS.
Debbie lived in the Waynesboro, MS, area in her younger years and eventually moved to Laurel and worked as a hair stylist in various salons. She eventually got married and moved to Quitman, MS, where she worked as a manager for a local Subway for 17 years.
Debbie was a very loving and adoring mother and grandmother who always doted on her grandchildren. She cherished all of them and her love for her family will never be forgotten by those who knew her. She will be sadly missed but forever remembered for her kindness, understanding and sympathy for others in need.
She was preceded in death by her son, Christopher Todd Smith, who tragically passed away at the early age of 19; an infant grandson, Gunner Ainsworth; a brother “Smitty” Smith; and her mother, Lena Weaver Smith.
Debbie is survived by her two remaining children, Amanda Ainsworth of Laurel, and Jeffrey Smith of Ellisville; and her husband, John Korzenko of Quitman, MS. Debbie also leaves behind five adoring grandchildren, Devin Ainsworth, Santana Ainsworth, Ashley Smith, Todd Smith and Allen Smith.
She is also survived by sisters, Lee Purdy of Canyon, Texas, Iola Vance of Phoenix, Arizona, and Bonnie Richards of Clara, Mississippi; and brothers, Grady Smith and Harold Smith, living in various locations in the southwest, along with her many nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held at White House Cemetery, located in Clara, Mississippi, on Monday, August 23, 2021, at 10:30 a.m. with visitation at the graveside beginning at 9:30 a.m.
To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.
