Debra Sue (Smith) Gomez

Debra Gomez, age 59, a loving mother of four, and amazing grandmother of 9, passed away March 25, 2025. Debra was born July 15th, 1965, in Dallas Texas and throughout her life lived in the Chicago suburbs, Rockford and Nebraska. Debra had a loving mother, Esther Haworth and loving Father John F Smith, who had four sons Mike, Jim, Steve, and Jay Smith. Debra was always a loving and caring woman, who always gave her time to others, and she incorporated that into motherhood. Debra was blessed with her first son Ricky Gomez in 1986, shortly after she was blessed with her first daughter Jeannette Gomez, years later she had Jesse Gomez and her final blessing Anamarie Gomez. At the age of 43 Debra became a grandmother to her first grandchild Leanna Kinney and she was thrilled. Over the years she became an outstanding grandmother to a total of 9 grandchildren, Breanna Kinney, Adiana and Kingston Gomez, Gianna, Ricky, Liliana, Izabella and Kiara Gomez. Debra was a grandma who had unconditional love and unwavering strength. She always made it to every sports game, singing, talent shows and any extracurricular activities that her grandchildren were a part of.  Debra was a mother figure to many, and she always had open arms no matter what the circumstances. She had a special touch on her family and friends, everywhere she stepped foot was like the sun shining over dark clouds. She always knew what to say, and what to do to make the room brighten up. Debra enjoyed Diet Coke, coffee and going on adventures with her closest loved ones. Some of her favorite trips were when she traveled to Mexico to see family and going on a cruise to the Bahamas with her closest friends.  Debra was passionate about everything she did from baking, cooking, dancing and singing. She loved to cook for any and everyone and as many of you know, her cooking was like no other. Debra always filled a stomach in need without any hesitation. Often Debra enjoyed playing tricks on her friends and family. She had a wonderful sense of humor.  The best and most beautiful thing Debra left us with was the memories that now play forever in our head. The memories you’ve made with us will last forever; the tenderness you’ve shared with us will never fade, and the most important gift you could ever give is the special part of you that now live in each of us, and the truth your love has taught us can only be strengthened by the gift of time. Debra was preceded in death by her Birthparents, Jim and Hazel Wilson and her adopted father John F. Smith and son in law Ricky Kinney.

Funeral Service will be at 10:15 a.m., Saturday April 12th, 2025, at First Church of the Nazarene in Rockford 4503 Charles St. Rockford, IL 61107. Friends may visit on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until service time.

Sundberg Funeral Home is caring for the family.