Deborah Lynn (Zakowski) Smith

Deborah Lynn “Deb” Smith, age 64, of Casey, IL formerly of Mattoon, IL passed away on Monday, December 13, 2021at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN.  She was born October 12, 1957 in Terre Haute, IN the daughter of Robert E. Zakowski and Phyllis Berniece “Bertie” Warner Zakowski.  On September 16, 1978 she married Carl Smith in Mattoon, IL; he passed away on January 20, 2009.

Survivors include her daughters, Devinna Smith, Calisha Smith and adopted daughter, Jessica Vance all of Casey, IL; brother, Robert “Bob” Zakowski (Sherry) of Findlay, IL; grandchildren, Mason and Caydence, uncles and aunts, nephews and nieces, great nephews and great nieces, many cousins and her beloved pets.  She was preceded in death by her father, mother, step-father, Francis Earl “Tony” Walsh and husband. 

Deb was 1975 graduate of Casey High School.  She continued her education at Lake Land College and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from McKendree College.  Deb worked as a dispatcher for the Mattoon Police Department for over 16 years.  She later worked in data entry for Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.  Deb enjoyed riding around town and sharing information about Casey with tourists.  She was as member of First Southern Baptist Church, Greenup, IL and also enjoyed attending Casey First Baptist Church, Casey, IL.  One of Deb’s greatest joys was being a mother; she will be sadly missed by her family.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.  She will be laid to rest beside her parents in Casey Cumberland Cemetery, Casey, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to Markwell Funeral Home, PO Box 175, Casey, IL 62420. 

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com.  Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

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