Lena Marie Smith, 99, of Paducah, Kentucky, passed away at Rivercrest Place on July 14, 2024.
Lena was born on May 26, 1925, in Marshall County, Kentucky, to the late Walter Estell and Amie Myrtle Clark Alexander. She was the oldest living and a faithful member of Twelve Oaks Baptist Church. Lena retired as a cafeteria worker from the Paducah City Schools, a role in which she not only served meals but also warm smiles and kind words to every student and staff member she encountered. Her title as the Duchess of Paducah was a testament to her involvement and passion for her city. Lena never met a stranger and she had the gift to connect with and check on those around her, always ensuring that everyone felt welcomed and valued. Lena will be remembered as a friendly, thoughtful, and kind soul, touching the lives of many through her genuine interest in meeting and caring for people. Her enduring legacy will be the countless moments of joy and comfort she shared with those fortunate enough to have known her.
Lena is survived by her daughter, Donna Marie Boner (Charles) of Lake Dallas, Texas; and son Dwight Lynn Smith (Deanna) of Paducah, Kentucky; sister, Judy Jones, of Reidland, Kentucky; three grandchildren, Ryan Boner (Michelle) of Plano, Texas, Daniel Boner of Lake Dallas, Texas, and Tina O’Brien (Robert) of Paducah, Kentucky; great-grandchild, Michael Dillon of Los Angles, California; special family friend, Tammy Morris; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, James E. Smith; six sisters, Alene Mathis, Earlene Reaves, Dorothy Sims, Geneva Edwards, Louise Frizzel, and Shirley Alexander; three brothers, Robert Alexander, Don Alexander, and J.W. Alexander; and her parents.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Danny Orazine officiating. Burial will follow at Maplelawn Park Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 NOON until the service time of 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Twelve Oaks Baptist Church, 2110 New Holt Road, Paducah, Kentucky, 42001.
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.
