Debra Giffen Smith

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA - Debra Mira Giffen-Smith, 57, of Savannah, Georgia, died Tuesday evening, February 28, 2012, in the comfort of her home surrounded with her loved ones.
She was born in Savannah, Georgia. She played a variety of sports growing up, but her passion was being in the water with her swim team. She loved swimming so dearly that she wanted to share her talent with others through giving swim lessons. Her love for the English language led to the start of her own business, DG Lease Ads. Debra, who lived for music, was a very loquacious individual who was full of life and anyone who was lucky enough to know her would say that her attitude and smile were contagious. She was preceded in death by her father, a well-known leader in the Jewish community, Irwin B. Giffen and her respected mother, Helen L. Giffen.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Billy E. Smith, Jr; four children, Elijah J. Leggett, Michel B. Webb, Vivian I. Fowler and Helen K. Giffen; five grandchildren, Sarah, Jacob, Zachary, Michaela and Roman, and her brother, Ira Lee Giffen.
The funeral service will be held at 2:45 o'clock Thursday afternoon at the graveside, Bonaventure Cemetery, conducted by Rabbi Avigdor Slatus.
The family will sit shiva on Thursday from 5 until 9 o'clock and Friday from 12 until 3 o'clock at 303 Megan Court.
Remembrances: Jewish Educational Alliance - 5111 Abercorn Street, Savannah, Georgia 31405 or Spanish Oaks Hospice - 8510 Whitfield Avenue, Savannah, Georgia 31406.