Lois Godman Smith, 87, of Paducah, Kentucky passed away at 3:39 p.m. Monday, January 13, 2025 at her residence. She was born in Corinth, Kentucky on October 1, 1937.
Lois was baptized at 11 years old. God has been an integral part of her life. She was a very active member of Twelve Oaks Baptist Church where she previously served as the church Pianist, taught Preschool Choir, Handbells and served on the By-Laws Committee. Lois met her husband while attending Bowling Green College of Commerce. They returned to Paducah and purchased their first home on Jefferson Street for $9,500.00. She began her career as a Service Worker in 1962 and became a Child Welfare Worker in 1967. Lois became Team Leader of the newly organized Bureau for Social Services, Department for Social Services in 1974. She obtained her Masters Degree in Human Resources and became Supervisor of the newly created Intake/Investigation Team in McCracken County in 1986. During her career she received many awards including, Paul T. Grannis Award, Boss of the Year and the Commonwealth Quality Award. Lois served on several committees; including the McCracken County Triad Council, Juvenile Justice Committee, Truancy Prevention Program; combine effort of State Government and local school system. She retired in 2004 after 42 years of dedication to improving the lives of children. Lois then became interim Director of Child Watch.
Her greatest pride were her children and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Lois is survived by her children, Pamela J. Gray and husband, Eddie of Paducah, KY, Jon A. Smith of Paducah, KY and Sharon M. Howard of West Paducah, KY; grandsons, Daniel E. Gray and wife, Galina of Paducah, KY, Joshua L. Gray and wife Destini of Virginia and Corey J. Howard and wife, Hilary of West Paducah, KY; great-grandchildren, Cody Gray, Tyler Gray, Noah Gray, Kennedi Gray, Alexus Gray, Caden Howard and Jacqueline Howard.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin T. Smith; parents, Granville A. and Arva D. Godman; sister, Jean G. Elkins; grandsons, Adam W. Gray and Tanner D. Howard.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, January 20, 2025 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah with Mr. Danny Orazine officiating. Burial will follow at Maplelawn Park Cemetery.
Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.
You may leave a message of sympathy and light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com.
