Debra Sanford

Debra Smelley Sanford, age 68, of Northport, Alabama, passed away July 15, 2024 at Hospice of West Alabama. Her Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, at Magnolia Chapel North with Bro. James Butler officiating and Magnolia Chapel North directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to service at Magnolia Chapel North.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bob" Sanford; sons, Eric Sanford and Scott Sanford; parents, James Bobby Smelley and Florence Wiley Weems; and brother-in-law, Randy Skelton.

Survivors include her sister, Diane Skelton; brother, Alan Smelley (Becky); sister-in-law, Sarah Perry; grandson, Coty Sanford (Cadi); and great-grandchild, Colt Sanford; and nieces and nephews that she loved as her own.

Debra was a very loving person. She was a lady of strong faith who loved the Lord. One of her favorite things was being a Nana. She excelled in serving others at Celebration Recovery and through events at her church. She loved to plant things and watch them grow. She truly loved her family and appreciated any time she had with them.

Honorary pallbearers are Union Chapel United Methodist Church, nurse practitioner at UAB - Emily Shelby and Dr. El Reyes.

The family would like to thank Hospice of West Alabama for all their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the children's ministry at Carrolls Creek Baptist Church.