Nellie Smith Harrington

NELLIE SMITH HARRINGTON, AGE 93, passed away September 25, 2023 at Oakview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Marshall County, KY.

Nellie was born in Sharpe community but lived most of her life in Palma Community of Calvert City in Marshall County, KY.  Her parents were Chesney A. Smith and Estella Hicks Smith.  She was a graduate of Sharpe High School and Draughon’s Business College.  She worked as a secretary for many years before retiring to her main occupation of being a Wife, Mother, Grandma, Daughter, Sister, Aunt and Friend to so many loved ones.  She was an active and supportive member in Palma Methodist church since 1956.  Nellie was a hard worker in anything she tackled and a true partner to her beloved husband of 71 years Alexander T. Harrington. She was a wonderful cook, always busy in the garden, canning and freezing food, very proficient in needle work of all kinds including sewing clothing, crocheting, knitting, embroidery, needlepoint, quilting, cross-stitch and even learned from elderly neighbor the art of tatting simple lace.  She worked alongside Alec tending to cattle, hauling wood, even trot lining for catfish in earlier days.  She did all the interior painting needed, painted the exterior of her mother’s house once, and did painting, staining and varnishing of her daughter’s new house.  She also painted for pleasure mounting her pictures in frames Alec made for her.  She enjoyed swimming, boating and camping at Kentucky Lake.  She and Alec took their children on many vacations around the country, but saved vacations to Hawaii and Alaska for themselves.  Nellie enjoyed planting and tending to her many flowers at home.  She was truly a woman of many talents, but her most treasured pastime was being Grandma and helping to raise her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Nellie was strong willed and unafraid to voice her opinions.  She was also caring and generous to many.  She led an honest, productive and full life and will be missed so very much.

Nellie is survived by her daughters Linda H. Mogan and Sue Ellen H. Leith (Roger), her grandchildren Stuart C. James (Nikki), Trevor L. Wilson, Lyndsi K. Leith and Zane Leith (Leah); her step-granddaughter Alexandra Mogan Geeding (Caleb), her great grandchildren Taylor Rhodes, Raylan James, Kelby Leith, Brady Leith, Logan Leith, Sydney Leith and Ezra Leith, and step granddaughters Jayden Edwards, Lila Robinson, Molly Robinson, and many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, her brother Marvin Smith, her sister Mary Smith Harper, her husband Alexander Turpin Harrington and her son Jeffory Mitchell Harrington.

A two hour visitation will be held at Collier Funeral Home in Benton, KY on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 1:00 PM until 2:45 PM, followed by a graveside service and burial at McNatt section of Marshall County Memory Gardens in Draffenville community of Benton, KY.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations will be appreciated to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to Marcella’s Kitchen, 868 Guy Mathis Dr, Benton, KY 42025.