Funeral services for Deborah Denise Lea, 77, of Lufkin, will be held Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Grater Love Tabernacle in Lufkin with Pastor Gentry Wilkerson and Pastor Ronnie Frankens officiating.

          Mrs. Lea was born on April 10, 1948, in Mobile, Alabama, to the late Vincent Smith and Geraldine (Payne) Smith, and died Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Diboll.

          Mrs. Lea was a teacher for 47 years and she even earned a Teacher of the Year award. Deborah was a very strong, independent, loving, kind, and caring woman with great faith. She enjoyed singing with her family, she had a beautiful voice. Mrs. Lea also loved birds, and she would often spend time watching them. Above all, her favorite thing to do was to spend time with her daughter, granddaughters, and great-granddaughter who she loved dearly.   

          She is survived by her daughter, Jessica Reppond of Lufkin, TX; granddaughter Mckenzie Bennett of Lufkin, TX; granddaughter, Madison Overbey of Sheridan, WY; great-granddaughter, Ella Overbey of Sheridan, WY; nieces, Tara Bowen and Heather Norris; nephews, Scott Runnels and Craig Runnels; great nephew and great niece, Eric Payne and Emily Bowen;  great nephew and great niece, Hayden and Hannah Norris; and great nephews, Dustin and Jordan Runnels.  

           She was preceded in death by her mother, Geraldine Moreland; sister, Tawanna Mcgrath; sister, Teresa Runnels; along with numerous aunts and uncles.  

           Shafer Funeral Home, Lufkin directors.