OCTOBER 18, 1942 – AUGUST 3, 2026
In the Care of Laird Funeral Home
Sandra Elaine (Smith-Thomas) Debenport of Texarkana, Texas, was welcomed into the presence of her Lord and Saviour on August 3, 2026. The daughter of Emmett Taylor Smith, Jr. and Mary Kathryn Ray Thomas, Sandra was born in Canton, Mississippi on October 18, 1942.
Sandra was preceded in death by her mother and father, daughter Julie Debenport, and brothers Taylor, Tommy, and Gene.
She is survived by her daughter Misty Sturrock and husband Scott, son Dan Debenport and wife Brandy, and sister-in-law Janie Debenport. She was blessed with six grandchildren—Tyler Sturrock and wife Amelia, Scotlan Frayne and husband Richard, John, Margaret, Elizabeth, and Natalie Debenport—as well as three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends.
Family and faith were the center of Sandra’s life. She was a loving mother and beloved “Mimi” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Texarkana, TX, she was always willing to serve no matter the circumstance. Sandra received immense joy when singing in the choir and assisting with the children’s classes. A kind and humble woman, Sandra was always concerned about the well-being of the people around her.
Sandra graduated from John Tyler High School in 1960, where she was the Senior Class Favorite, twirler, and loved by all. She continued her education at Tyler Junior College, where she was on the cheer team. Later, she completed her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at Stephen F. Austin State University and earned her Texas Teaching Certificate. She loved working in her yard and baking treats for her family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 6, at 5:00 pm, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Texarkana, Texas. Family will be available in the church at 4:00 pm to receive guests. A short graveside service and burial will take place on Friday, August 7, at 10:00 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park in Nacogdoches, Texas, under the direction of Laird Funeral Home.
Sandra will be remembered for her fierce love, servant’s heart, and love for the Lord. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
The following links are available for the service in Texarkana. Please feel free to join us for a live feed of Sandra’s service.
https://www.facebook.com/PGBCTXK
https://www.youtube.com/@pgbctxk
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sandra Elaine (Smith) Debenport, please visit Laird Funeral Home’s floral store.