Deborah Lynne Spain

Deborah Lynne [Smith] Spain, 66, passed away April 12, 2023 after a long battle with a
rare liver cancer.
Deborah was born March 8, 1957 in Beaver Falls, PA. She was the eldest of 6 children to
George and Marjorie [Lash] Smith. One of her greatest joys was being part of such a
large and loving family, often visiting and always supporting local sports or events (even
if from afar). She was proud to be from Beaver Falls (birthplace to football legend, Joe
Namath) and was a staunch supporter of nearby Pittsburgh sports (Steelers, Pirates, and
Penguins) - black and gold were a popular theme for her.
Deborah, preferring to be called Debbie, had a desire to serve her community. She
studied and received degrees in social work and teaching (Beaver County Community
College, California State University, and Northwest Bible College). It was at Northwest
Bible College where she met and married Donald Spain, Jr. and had 2 daughters before
they moved to Maryland to seek teaching positions. In Maryland they had 2 more
daughters before moving to be near family in Ohio. There, Debbie became a Certified
Nurse's Aide and worked for Wright Nursing & Rehabilitation Center for almost 20
years and through several facility name changes. Changes in her own health forced
Debbie to surrender her healthcare career. Still seeking a way to support and interact
with those around her, Debbie obtained a sales position with Elder-Beerman where she
worked until the company closed its doors.
Debbie enjoyed reading, crosswords, and sappy Hallmark movies and soap operas. She
loved visiting the beach and especially enjoyed trips to the beach with family. The light
of her life and joy of her heart was her family, but mostly her grandchildren. During her
difficult battle with cancer, it was seeing her grandchildren that would bring a sparkle
back to her eyes.
Deborah was preceded in death by her infant daughter Janelle Mae, her father George,
and her mother Marjorie. She is survived by her ex-husband Donald of Fairborn, OH,
daughter Charity Spain of Dayton, OH, daughter Hope Spain (grandson Lucas,
granddaughter Lila, grandson Trenton) of Fairborn, OH, and daughter Joyelle [Spain]
Kopp (son-in-law Brett Kopp and granddaughter Eleanor) of Dayton, OH. Extended
surviving family includes her brother George Smith of Minot, ND, and sisters Amy
[Smith] Walker of Beaver Falls, PA, Jodi Smith of Beaver Falls, PA, Beth [Smith] Burcik
of Huntingtown, MD, and Faith [Smith] Murphy of Rochester, PA, along with their
spouses and children.
A memorial service is planned for April 30th at the Smith family home in Beaver Falls,
PA. Family and close friends will gather to share memories and a meal in Debbie's
honor. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your local school lunch program
or Easter Seals branch.