Debora Frances Silva-Smith, born February 20, 1956, peacefully transitioned into life eternal on May 13, 2026, at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton, Maryland surrounded by her cherished daughter Je’Nay, devoted twin sister Donna, and close family by her side. She was 70 years old.

Of Bermudian descent, and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, Debrora graduated Central High School in 1974 with honors, perfect attendance and participated in cheerleading, sports scorekeeper, volleyball, and student council. Debora later earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting at Norfolk State University in 1978 along with certifications completed in creating visual dashboards in Microsoft excel. It was there; she became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

Debora successfully built a lifetime career with over 50 years in the Federal Government being employed at the Department of the Army, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of the Navy, Department of Treasury, Federal Communications Commission and ending her assignment as a systems accountant for the Department of Transportation from 1988-2026 as an exemplary, highly qualified professional employee with a dedicated devotion to public service.

Debora was a true giver at heart as she gave to the following organizations for over 15 years St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Paralyzed Veterans Association, as well as local community organizations.

As a mother, she lived for her daughter through and through. She and Je’Nay spent countless mother daughter time traveling together, taking day trips, spa days, concerts etc. like best friends. All Je’Nay’s friends would call her Ms. Debbie and earlier years Sgt. Debbie because she believed in order and preparing for anything. Je’Nay reminisced that people would tell her, “You have a real mom” and growing up over the years she truly understood her mom's rules and push to be great was her naturally nurturing spirit, and her ability to provide love and protection for her. On the day of her passing, Je Nay was laying in her mother's arms; just as they were always together (best-friends).

As a twin sister, Debora was a confidant, loving and devoted friend. Twins share everything from completing each other's sentences, wearing matching outfits, traveling, and shopping for each other even when in different cities. The uniqueness of being a twin was the double blessings from God. One of her many quotable statements “Put your name on it”; and “A Place for Everything and Everything in its place”. A favorite past-time would be family gatherings during Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other celebrations that would utilize her talents in decorating. She supported all the young people in the family when achievements were completed as well as attending her twin sister’s milestone of completing her Ph.D. She showed so much love that helped to develop the closeness and legacy of being a great family.

Debora was predeceased in death by her mother Lucille (Dowling) Mason, Father, Harold Mason, and brother Nicola Silva. She is survived by her cherished daughter, Je’Nay LaVette Silva-Smith, Twin sister Donna Silva-Burnett, Mother-in-law- Mable Pugh, sister-in-law Mary Silva Brown of Tallahassee, Florida, niece Lucille Silva-Dixon of Milton, Florida, niece Tyra R. Mason of Tallahassee, Florida, nephew Nico Silva, Jr. of Seattle, Washington, special friends Denise Johnson, Janice Hartwill-Miller, Danielle Henderson, a host of relatives in Bermuda (original origin of family) and numerous cousins, friends, and colleagues.

As we celebrate her extraordinary life, kindness, and unwavering dedication, we take comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in the legacy of the many people whose lives were made brighter by her generosity, wisdom, and love. 

The Silva-Smith family will receive friends on Monday, June 8th for the Celebration of Life Service and a “Tea Time At the Tent” reception.

Hotel accommodations have been arranged for out-of-town family and friends at the Hilton Garden Inn-Waldorf. Reservations should be made by June 5th at Hilton: Celebration of Life Debora Silva-Smith.