Debra Joanne Smith-Meriweather

Debra Joanne Meriweather made her triumphant transition on February 4, 2026. She professed her belief, faith, and hope in Christ at age nine (9) at Nazarene Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Rev. B Utley

Debra attended and graduated from Stanley Hall(K-8), Bosse High School (9-12), University of Evansville (13-16), and I.U.P.U.I (Indianapolis, IN. (17-18) Debra graduated from the Congress of Christian Education - National Baptist Convention. She was really proud of that accomplishment. Jackson, MS... Debra Smith-Meriweather was a devoted, lifelong member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. On May 6, 1973, she became one of the thirteen Charter Members of the Kappa Nu City-Wide Chapter. It was during this initiation that she formed a lifelong bond with her "birthday twin" and best friend, Anna Outlaw. Together, they were affectionately known as the “Early Morning Twin” (Debra) and the “Late Morning Twin” (Anna).

After a brief time in Indianapolis, Debra returned to Evansville and reclaimed her place of service within the Evansville Alumnae Chapter under the presidency of Sabrina Stewart-Thomas. A steadfast and dedicated leader, Debra served with distinction as Recording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary, Sergeant-at-Arms, and Journalist. Her commitment extended far beyond the local level, as she frequently attended regional and national conferences and conventions.

Speaking on behalf of the entire Evansville Alumnae Chapter, current President Dr. Ena Winfield shared that Debra’s absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her. The spirit of service and the sisterly love of our beloved Delta Dear will be cherished and remembered forever.

She was employed at Indiana Business College (Indianapolis, IN.), K-Mart as an Assistant Manager (2 years), Federal Teachers Association (10 years), Bridgeport Brass as a payroll clerk (6 years), C.A.P.E., EVSC at Lodge School where she taught and was a librarian until retirement, and she currently worked at Lowe’s part-time.

It was at Bridgeport Brass that she met Owen Meriweather. Owen and Debra were united in holy matrimony on March 22, 1997. Until his death on July 9, 2018

In 2005 Debra and Owen left Indianapolis, IN. and moved to Evansville, IN. Both were members of Greater St. James Missionary Baptist Church. While in Indianapolis, IN., Debra was a faithful member of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor C. Vance.

Debra enjoyed word searching, crossword puzzles, grass cutting, collecting antiques, and preparing for the Annual Veteran’s Day presentation. She enjoyed traveling with her childhood friend, Joyceann (both widows) to various countries which included France, Greece, Italy, Paris and Spain. Joyce was a friend until the end.

On February 4, 2026, at Heart-to-Heart Hospice House, God looked down and knew that Debra was sick and tired of being sick and tired. At 1:45 pm, holding God’s swift but gentle, loving hand, Debra happily bid farewell to her earthly struggles and transcended to Heaven’s eternal joys and comforts. She was 74 years old.

Debra was preceded in death by her father, Pastor/ Reverend Douglas F. Smith, mothers, Dorothy R. Smith (Scott) and Lucy Smith (Richards), two set of grandparents, brother, Richard Douglas, sister, Bonita Hunter(Smith), husband, Owen Meriweather, 2 nieces and 1 nephew.

Those left to cherish and celebrate her legacy includes her sister, Paula Smith, 4 nieces, 4 nephews, longtime friends, coworkers, neighbors’ canine friends, school classmates, and her Greater St. James Baptist Church Sunday school class members.

The Famliy also wants to extend a thank you to all the Healthcare Providers and Heart to Heart Hospice for the love and care they showed Debra during her journey.

Humbly Submitted with LOVE