Deborah Sue Smith Downum was born March 15th, 1952 in Dallas, Texas to Marjorie Joyce Cohen and Marvin Wayne Blakeney. She is survived by her husband Dale Downum of Royse City; son Chris Downum of Rockwall; daughter Dena Hamilton and husband Trent of Tom Bean; grandchildren Emma and Brody Downum and Tucker and Finn Hamilton; sister Carolyn Peoples and husband Mike of Rockwall; sister Pam Butler of Missoula, Montana; brother Leon Hargrove and wife Sherry of Emory; brother Todd Hargrove and wife Tonda of Rockwall; and nineteen nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by grandparents VT and Gladys Hataway; parents Ray and Margie Hargrove; parents-in-law Dean and Wilma Downum; sister Tonja Polk; brother-in-law Rick Polk; and nephews Casey and Ricky Polk.
Debbie was a 1970 graduate of Rockwall High School. After high school, she joined the US Army and was stationed at Fort Devens where she met Dale, and on August 1, 1975, they married in Pepperell, Massachusetts. When they returned to Texas, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from East Texas State University and returned to her alma mater as an art and history teacher with Rockwall ISD for 30 years.
Debbie had an infectious laugh and shining smile. Despite her short frame, she gave the biggest hugs and had the biggest heart. She devoted her life to being a wife, mom, and Nana, traveling all over the country attending sporting events, school activities, and family get-togethers. As a teacher, she’ll be remembered for the countless hours and numerous projects she selflessly gave back to hundreds of staff and students of Rockwall ISD.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at Reflections at Rest Haven Funeral Home-Rockwall Location. A Gathering for family and friends will be held prior to service at 11:00am at the funeral home. Interment to follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park. The family requests that attendees dress casually. In lieu of flowers, the Downum family asks that a financial donation be made to one of Debbie’s favorite charities: City of Rockwall Animal Shelter at www.rockwalladoptions.com or Make-A-Wish of North Texas at www.ntx.wish.org.
