Jewell Smith, 90, of Wilmore, Kentucky passed away peacefully at her daughter Debbie’s house surrounded by her family on May 11, 2022.

She was born to the late Charles and Susie Thompson on Sept 30, 1931, the youngest of 7 children. She was a faithful member of Heritage Baptist Church in Lexington, Kentucky.

She had worked at Burroughs Corp for a number of years and then finished her career at Lexington Framing Supplies. She and her husband Jim opened up Jim’s Quality in Nicholasville, Kentucky in 1987. Upon Jim’s death in 2003, their son, Jimmy became part owner with his mom. She continued to go to the garage every day until she fell March 6th this year.

Her interests included making and sending cards, traveling and listening to the music of The Gaithers, Squire Parsons, Tennessee Ernie Ford and Daniel O’Donnell. But more important was her devotion to her family and time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She celebrated 49 years of marriage to her husband, Jim, before he passed in 2003.

Survivors include her three children, Terry and David Aldridge, Debbie Bailey, Jim and Lisa Smith and adopted daughter Rochella (Rocky) and Jerry Deshler. Also surviving are 11 grandchildren, Tanner and Tyler Aldridge, Katie Bailey (Adam Williams), Kari Bailey (Casi Blevins), Christian and Jess Smith, Kelsey and DJ Huff, JoJo and Kali Smith, Greyson Wynn, Jeremy Deshler, Jake and Rachel Deshler, and Nikki and Brock Sutherland. She was blessed with 6 great grandchildren, Addison Chapman, Shelby and Levi Cooley, Judah Deshler, Ryder and Reaghan Sutherland with another great granddaughter due in August to parents, Christian and Jess and a great grandchild due in October to parents, Jake and Rachel Deshler.
She was also survived by her two loving sister-in-laws Jeannie Thompson and Dorothy Thompson and numerous nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, daughter-in-law, Dawn Smith; son-in-law, Kenneth Bailey; grandson, Aabraham Smith; great grandson, Marcus Newby; brothers, Grant, Robert, Johnny, Gordon Parker; and sisters, Lucille Snowden and Hazel Hamilton (known as her twin because they looked so much alike).

The family would like to thank the nursing and CNA staff of The Willows at Fritz Farm, especially her nurses, Sara and Rebekah, CNAs Joe, Delaney and Cole and Therapy Staff DeNiece, Todd and Laura. But excellent care was given these last 9 1/2 weeks by Stacey Crowe who lovingly cared for Jewell as if she was her mother. Words cannot express our family’s appreciation to her.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 18th from 4-6 pm with the service following at Heritage Baptist Church located at 163 N. Ashland Ave. in Lexington, Kentucky. Burial service for the family will be the following day at Wilmore Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to The Community Center of Wilmore-High Bridge. Their address is 209 East Main St. in Wilmore, KY 40390. This is an outreach program for people in need which provides food, clothing, household items and financial aid for Asbury students and their families.

Her children have been told all their lives by numerous people that Mom’s name suited her perfectly, that she was indeed “A Jewel”. And we agree!

Care Cremation and Funeral Service is honored to be entrusted with final care.