The gymnasium of Sparks High school was filled with family and loved ones of Debbie Smith Sunday morning, as hundreds came to pay respect and to honor the late senator.
Nevada senator Debbie Smith passed away at the age of 60 on February 21st, after a year-long fight with brain cancer.
She was remembered as a loving colleague, wife, and mother who always stayed true to what she believed in.
Debbie's brother, Bruce Bilbrey, was one of many who only had the best things to say about Debbie’s life.
He recalled a story his sister once told him about her secret to always staying so calm at the legislature.
"She said I always ask myself one thing, will this make my mother proud,” says Bilbrey.
Her colleagues in the legislature looked up to her and admired her strength.
Democratic leader Aaron Ford described her as selfless.
"Here she is living with a life threatening issue and she is apologizing to me, selfless, that's what Debbie was," says Ford.
Her niece, Jamie Lungren, recited the words of a country music song. Words that she felt embodied the way Debbie chose to live her life each and every day.
"Hold the door, say please, say thank you, don't steal, don't cheat and don't lie, I know you've got mountains to climb but always stay humble and kind," says Lungren.
Her son Ian and daughter Erin asked the room of crowded people to take the love that they had for Debbie and to now share it with Debbie’s husband Greg, saying he needs it now more than ever.
"My mom spent the last year fighting this disgusting disease and my dad was there every moment, he would not leave her alone for a moment, and he loved her and he took care of her and he's heroic,” says Erin Smith.
