Mrs. Kathy (Luke) Smith, 67

Mrs. Kathy (Luke) Smith, 67, of Hazlehurst, passed away June 2 at HCA Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, Fla., while under hospice care. She was surrounded by her family during this time.
Kathy June (Luke) Smith was born in Freeport, Texas, Sept. 12, 1958, to the late Ronald Charles Luke and Betty Jo Easterling. Kathy attended school in Hazlehurst and graduated as the Salutatorian of Jeff Davis High School in 1976.
In addition to her parents, Kathy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Jack C. Smith, her mother-in-law Marjorie Smith and sister-in-law Marlene Strickland.
Kathy is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law Jamie C. and Kylie (Rowland) Smith of Hazlehurst and Jeffrey C. and Rachel (Bailey) Smith of Portal; grandchildren Maggie Smith, Jarrett Smith, Ashtyn Johnson, Allie Johnson and Isabella Smith; great-grandchild Taelyn Johnson; sisters Carol (Richard) Lowther of Surrency, Lora (Chris) Hines of Hazlehurst and Amy Clay of Hazlehurst; brothers Mark (Bonnie) Luke of Hardeeville, S.C., and Dr. Charlie (Dr. Joy) Luke of Midland, Texas; brother-in-law Odis “Buddy” and Brenda Smith; sister-in-law Carlene and Ed Gauler, both of Hazlehurst; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other cherished family members.
Kathy spent her early years raising her sons while traveling with her husband to his duty stations as he served in the Army. After his service, they moved back to Hazlehurst where she spent years working with her mother-in-law Marjorie Smith at the Sewing Nook. She was then employed for 24 years at the Bank of Hazlehurst, most recently as a loan officer. She took great pride in her work and loved the people she worked with, but she loved spending time with her family most of all.
She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where she served faithfully in various callings, including in Primary and the Relief Society. She was sealed to her husband, Jack, the love of her life.
Kathy Smith loved all, but animals and children held a special place in her heart.
A graveside service for family and friends was held at Hazlehurst City Cemetery June 9.
Honorary pallbearers were the Bank of Hazlehurst employees and the Hazlehurst Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Those wishing to honor Kathy’s memory may make a memorial donation to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation at helpfightra.org/donations/
Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home was in charge.