Dezirae Amanda Grace La Barbera, age 25, of Seymour, danced her way into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Monday, August 31, 2026, while peacefully lying in the arms of her mother and surrounded by her family at UT Medical Center.

Dezi’s unwavering faith guided her throughout her life and gave her strength and bravery to face some of life’s hardest battles. She never let her wheelchair stop her, nor did she ever allow her disability to define who she was. Dezi was a fighter, a survivor, and an inspiration to those around her. She had a heart for others and always seemed to have the most encouraging words for anyone who was hurting. Her strength, faith, compassion, and beautiful spirit will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Dezirae was preceded in death by her sister, Brittany; cousin, Avery Downs; uncle, Danny Coughlin; great-grandmothers, Barbera Dahlman and Ellen Griess; and great-grandfathers, George Fenton and Tom Griess.

She is survived by her loving family Tanya and Alex; her siblings, D’Ella, David, and Lennon; along with extended family, friends, and loved ones who will forever cherish her memory.

Though her earthly body may have been limited by circumstances beyond her control, Dezi’s spirit never was. She lived with courage, loved deeply, encouraged others, and never allowed her circumstances to determine the size of her life. Her beautiful spirit will live on in everyone blessed to have known her.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 12:00pm to 2:00pm at Grandview Pavilion in Maryville.

Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral & Cremation, 865-983-1000, or www.smithfuneralandcremation.com.