Obituaries

Debra M. Smyth, 65

December 18, 2022

Debra M. Smyth, 65, of Lancaster, passed away on Sunday, December 18, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Lancaster she was the daughter of Barry T. Gerz, Sr. and Gloria G. (Hetrich) Gerz.

After graduating from Conestoga Valley High School with the Class of 1974, Debra became a licensed hair stylist and worked in the salon at J C. Penney for 25 years before retiring. A strong willed and independent person, she always lived life to the fullest and especially enjoyed the Christmas season. A huge Elvis Presley fan, one of her favorite songs was Blue Christmas. With her unique spirit she always made every event special and fun. Deeply spiritual, her faith was very important to her, along with the love and pride she had for her children and grandchildren.

Along with her parents, Debra is survived by her daughters, Heather (Zimmerman) Hirschmann and her husband Andrew of Lancaster, and Kristen (Zimmerman) Munro of Akron; her grandchildren Mollie, Aidan, Callan, Ava and Knollan; two sisters, Nancy Clemens (Mark) and Frances Plank (Stephen); and three brothers Barry T. Gerz Jr. (Anna), David Gerz (Regina) and Daniel Gerz (Bonnie).

Family and friends are invited to attend her funeral services which will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at the Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory, 2421 Willow Street Pike, Willow Street, PA, 17584, where a viewing will take place beginning at 9:30 AM. In honor of Debra’s love of life and the Christmas season, guests are encouraged to dress in a festive manner to celebrate her life. Interment will follow at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery.

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page


Be sure to include your name

Please note that your condolence will not appear on this page until it is reviewed. Condolences usually appear within 24 hours of being submitted.

Condolences to the Family

December 22, 2022

Deb was my hair cutter at JCP Salon ever since I was a kid. She did mine, my dad’s, and my brothers for these last two and a half decades. She’s become such a close family friend, and only now just finding out (Dec 22nd) that she wasn’t doing well and now is gone breaks my heart. I’ll always love and miss you Deb. Rest easy, friend. <3

December 22, 2022

I have known deb since like the early 90s.ever since ,i met her she was such a bright and hopeful person! even when the chips were down she made them seem  bright!i am truly sorry to have missed my last goodbyes  as I didn’t find this obit till the day after!I will miss you deb but your out of pain and in a much better world!!

December 21, 2022

Sorry for the Loss of beautiful Deb. We were friends in school. CV class of 74.

December 21, 2022

Debbie cut my hair at the JCP Salon for many years. I was so sorry to hear that she had been ill and passed.    She was an absolute joy and was always smiling.  She loved to laugh and truly cared about her clients.  I have fond memories of her–wishing your family comfort during this time–she is smiling down on you for sure!
Erin Heckendorn

December 21, 2022

Deb was a joy to talk to when I used to work with her a JCP. She was a great supporter of me when I was going through med school and even was proud when I graduated. Loved her asking me medical question because I got to practice my knowledge. She will be missed by many. May she rest easily. Amber Mitchell

December 21, 2022

To the entire family our thoughts n prayers.  I’ve enjoyed Debbie n my conversations as well as great haircuts. Also enjoyed her uplifting post on Facebook. Living in Florida so we cannot attend services.She will be missed. Rita Slaymaker

December 21, 2022

All of our love. 
Christopher, Ashley, Madeleine & Paityn Gerz 

December 21, 2022

I happened to meet Debra one day going Christmas shopping.  She saw how tired I was both physically and spiritually. We talked a little while and she gave me emotional and spiritual support.  We connected for a while on Facebook but lost touch.  I’m so sorry to hear of her passing.  She was a special person. Sending peace of mind and heart.   Maria Varunok

December 21, 2022

So sorry to read of Deb’s passing.  She was the best hair stylist and we shared many stories of family, especially grandkids, and life experiences over the years. She would often just break out in song entertaining everyone in the salon. Deb had a beautiful smile and touched many lives.  She will truly be missed, but know she is now at peace and watching over her family and friends.  My sincere condolences to the family. Pam Shellenberger

December 20, 2022

Debbie loved Jesus and her family. I loved every minute with her for years and years in the salon. I know that when she met Jesus, He welcomed her with open arms. She loved Him so much. I pray that Debbie’s family will be able to grieve with peace. ❤️Lynette Huber

December 20, 2022

Condolences to the family on their loss.  Psalm 23.
~ Jeffrey Sipe

December 20, 2022

Heather – sorry to learn of the passing of your mom.  I see her smile in yours. Stephanie Lavenberg

December 20, 2022

My sincere condolences to you all on the passing of Deb. She was a good friend and a wonderful, strong and loving women. Who could sing her heart out. She had the most beautiful voice. And loved Elvis. She will be missed by so many people that she came in contact with. She had a heart of gold and always had kind words to say. I know, I will miss her dearly, but Deb, I will see you again. You are now in no more pain and singing your heart out.   Sandy Wallick

December 20, 2022

My dear friend I will miss you dearly. To the family I am so sorry for your loss. Jane Danese

December 20, 2022

My sincere condolances to Deb’s family. She will be greatly missed by so many whose lives she’s touched and blessed through the years. I will deeply miss her warm and caring heart. She is in the arms of Jesus now, where she longed to be. Until we meet again, my friend. Dawn Groff

December 20, 2022

My dear Debra: I am so sorry to read of your passing. You will be missed by all.  Molly Hart

December 19, 2022

My heart goes out to Deb’s family. She was a good friend and will be greatly missed! My thoughts and prayers for you all.🙏 Gloria Irwin

Visitation
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
2421 Willow Street Pike
Willow Street, PA 17584
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Services
Wednesday, December 21, 2022
11:00 AM
Charles F. Snyder III Funeral Home & Crematory
2421 Willow Street Pike
Willow Street, PA 17584
Map and Directions

Get Maps and Directions >
Send Flowers Online

Offering Lancaster, PA funeral services for over 75 years.

Our seven funeral homes in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties makes it easy and convenient to make arrangements and host services close to home.

  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lancaster
  • 414 East King St.
  • 717-393-9661
  • Charles F. (Chip) Snyder, Jr. Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Lititz Pike
  • 3110 Lititz Pike
  • 717-560-5100
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Millersville
  • 441 North George St.
  • 717-872-5041
  • Mark D. Burkholder Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Spacht-Snyder Family Funeral Home Lititz
  • 127 South Broad St.
  • 717-626-2317
  • Jacqueline Adamson Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Bachman-Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory Strasburg
  • 7 South Decatur Street
  • 717-687-7644
  • Norman T. Mable Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home Willow Street
  • 2421 Willow Street Pike
  • 717-464-4600
  • Kelly Gramola Townsend Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info
  • Snyder Bean Funeral Home & Crematory Lebanon
  • 890 Isabel Dr.
  • 717-272-4634
  • Charles F. (Chad) Snyder, III Funeral Director / Supervisor
  • more info