Our Guiding Light at Newberry Opera House
It is with heavy hearts that the Newberry Opera House family announces the passing of our beloved former Executive Director, Deborah Smith, who passed away on Saturday. Deborah’s impact on our Opera House and our community is immeasurable, and her loss leaves us with a profound sense of sorrow. We remember her not just as a visionary leader, but also as a dear friend at the heart of our Opera House family—a person who touched everyone around her with kindness, passion, and dedication.
Deborah served as the Executive Director of the Newberry Opera House from 1997 to 2015, leading its reopening and an extraordinary renaissance after four decades of closure. Through her tireless efforts, she transformed a long-dormant, dilapidated building into a thriving performing arts center, culminating in the Opera House’s grand rebirth in 1998. Under Deborah’s direction, our once-quiet hall blossomed into one of America’s most acclaimed historic theaters—a nationally renowned venue celebrating both its rich history and a vibrant new life. In 2008, the Opera House received the League of Historic American Theatres’ Outstanding Historic Theatre Award, a testament to the remarkable revival Deborah spearheaded. Thousands of performances and sold-out shows followed, as she “brought fame and the famous to Newberry,” welcoming world-class artists who delighted our community.
Beyond the spotlight, Deborah’s vision revitalized our town. She understood that the arts could serve as a catalyst for economic and cultural growth, sparking a downtown renaissance that filled restaurants, supported local shops, and brought the streets of Newberry to life. Her work turned the Opera House into a great economic catalyst for our area, breathing new life into local businesses and attracting new industries. In recognition of her contributions, Deborah was named an Economic Development Ambassador for Newberry County in 2005—a fitting honor for someone who so seamlessly connected the arts with economic development. The cultural and economic vibrancy Newberry enjoys today is due in no small part to her foresight and unwavering commitment.
Deborah’s legacy goes far beyond bricks and mortar. She believed in the power of the arts to unite people, and her warmth and enthusiasm enriched the very spirit of Newberry. She devoted countless hours to mentoring staff, volunteers, and young artists, always sharing her abiding love for the performing arts. Deborah often remarked that her job was a gift to her—but in truth, she was a gift to Newberry, sharing her talent and heart with all of us. Every time our marquee lights up or a family enjoys a show, we feel Deborah’s spirit shining through, inspiring joy and togetherness. Her influence endures through the generations of audiences, performers, and arts lovers who will continue to experience the magic she so lovingly nurtured.
Today, we honor Deborah Smith’s extraordinary life and legacy with gratitude and love. We have lost a visionary leader, a mentor, and a cherished friend; we will miss her more than words can express. For the Newberry Opera House family, Deborah will always remain our First Lady, and while we mourn her passing, we take solace in knowing that her light continues to guide every performance on our stage and every gathering in our hall. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and to all who, like us, were touched by her incredible spirit. Deborah Smith will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the heart of Newberry forever.
The Newberry Opera House invites friends, patrons, and community members to share their memories and stories of Deborah Smith in the comments area below. Together, we celebrate her extraordinary life, grateful for the countless ways she enriched Newberry and the performing arts. Deborah will be deeply missed, yet her legacy lives on in every performance and every gathering at the Opera House she revived.
What a dear friend we will always miss you Janice and Kemp Bass
I am so grateful that Dr. James Wiseman had a dream and found Deborah Smith to make it happen. Together they created a concept, turned it into a vision and with hard work and dedication made it a reality. The town of Newberry received two amazing gifts as a result, Deborah Smith, and the Newberry Opera House.
A devoted spokesperson spending countless hours promoting Newberry and the Newberry Opera House though mailings, radio, TV, and word of mouth. Deborah informed, influenced, inspired, encouraged, and educated all while entertaining us. Her efforts, along with staff and volunteers, resulted in the revitalization of the Downtown Newberry economy and culture by providing, unheard of in this area, access to “the stars” with events hosted at the Newberry Opera House.
While always gracious she was never comfortable with accepting accolades and recognition in her honor. Her hard earned and well-deserved achievements, accomplishments, and awards are far too many to mention.
Her mother, Elinor Rungee Smith, and her uncle, Fred Rungee both came to Newberry in their senior years after leading fascinating lives and careers. They became a part of our community with Deborah.
It has been an honor to know Deborah for twenty-five plus years as a director, coworker, and a friend. I only hope she realized the immense impact that she had on my life, our community, and the lives of many thousands of others. She truly made a difference with a life well lived. She has departed this earth prematurely and her absence in our lives will be deeply felt.
Deborah Smith will live on in our hearts. Because of her inspiration and vision, the Newberry Opera House will continue her legacy by inspiring people from all over the world to enjoy and appreciate the arts, make dreams come true, fulfill wishes and create experiences of a lifetime.
Deborah often enjoyed long walks in nature. I can only imagine the heavenly paths, roads and trails awaiting her to walk with her mother, father, and uncle. My condolences to Kent, family, and friends.
Never goodbye, Deborah always said, “Mañana.”
With Love,
Donna Morris
I am deeply saddened to learn of Deborah‘s passing. I managed a grants program for the state of South Carolina where Deborah and I often had discussions about the economic value and cultural impact of the Newberry Opera House. She was awarded numerous marketing grants to promote this beautiful, historic venue. Being a native of Pomaria, SC, it always gave me such joy to see the Newberry Opera House flourish under her leadership. May her memory and legacy continue to live on through the lives she has touched.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and the Newberry community on the passing of such a remarkable woman. We feel very fortunate to have known her and worked with her as she presented our group more than once. We remain forever grateful to her for celebrating cultural diversity in her programming and know her legacy lives on. Our thoughts are with all who miss her.