Dea Smith, 62, has been a resident of Sequoyah County for 38 years. Growing up, her father was employed as an Oklahoma Highway Patrolman, so she said she moved around the state quite often.

After graduating from Clayton High School, Smith continued her education, gaining her teaching certification from Northeastern State University.

She said she was employed as a daycare teacher for about a year before being rifted.

“My students were like ‘you need to open your own school’, so I did,” she said.

Smith had her own daycare, Miss Dea’s Learning Center, and was director for about 30 years before she decided to sell.

“I then became a director for Camille’s Kidz Learning Center in Vian,” she said.

She mentioned one of her favorite times working was when she worked with her daughter, Emma Montgomery.

Now she bakes, mostly known for her sweets and rolls that she makes but one can easily request sugar-free.

“I have perfected my recipes for gluten and sugar-free, and I am continuing to work on dairy-free baked goods,” she said.

She also currently makes goodies for Stellar Brew in Vian.

Smith shared that she has been baking since she was a girl and it was her grandmother who got her into baking.

“She taught me all the tricks to the trade,” she said.

Smith does more than just bake. She often makes lunches that are also sold, ranging from veggie dishes to sandwiches.

She and her husband, Mark, also enjoy driving around and taking day trips.

“We don’t usually go anywhere, we just drive,” she said. “My husband used to work for Oklahoma Department of Transportation, so he knows all the roads because he used to travel all over the state.”

Looking back, Smith said she’s really proud to have helped open the Tikki Cabana in Gore for her daughter, Emma, as well.

“I am so proud of both of my daughters but being able to do that here in Sequoyah County has to be one of my favorite memories,” she said.

While many people may only know her as the woman who bakes or sells lunches, she is also a grandma to her four grandchildren: Oliver, Lincoln, Hazel, and Maddison.

“I love spending my free time with them, even if it’s just them being in the same room as me,” she said.

One thing Smith said she has found out about our county is that the people here are always kind.

“I am always seeing someone help another person. The people of Sequoyah County are always helping each other,” she said.

Whether you know her as Miss Dea, Dea, mom, or grandma, just know that she has captured the hearts of many. With one baked good and smile at a time, she will continue to be in the memories and lives of many.