On May 23, 2020, at 2:01 am, Deborah “Debbie” Anne Ferris, née Smith, age 63, passed away peacefully. A long-time resident of the St. Louis area, she was a selfless giving person, full of life, who retained a childlike wonder. She had a love of beauty and nature; hearing the sounds of birds chirping in the morning delighted her. She loved horses, cats, and one dog. She was a talented visual artist and was ever stylish. She had a strong faith in God and loved America. She found delight in driving others. An avid cook, eating delicious food with family and friends brought her much joy (favorite movie, “Babette’s Feast”). She learned to play chess at an early age and taught her siblings and children.

Ms. Ferris was the beloved mother of four children: John Andrew Ferris, Emily (Paul) Thérèse Baker, Olivia Christine Ferris, and Elizabeth Ardelle Ferris; dear sister to nine: Mary Edith (Cornelius) Flynn (deceased), Master Sergeant Ret. Henry (Judy) Broughton Smith (deceased), Sister Nancy Lee Smith, IHM, Claire (David) Rose Smith-Kilper (deceased), Karen (Paul) Elizabeth McCauley (deceased), William (Roxanne) Strother Smith III, Virginia Cheryl Hartman, Josephine Marie Walker, and Michèle Thérèse Smith, and caring grandmother to three: Isabella Esperanza Peña, Jun William Baker, and Lydia Bardot Thérèse Baker.