Marjorie Kathleen Smith

Marjorie K. (Kathy) Smith, known as Kathy to all of her friends and some relatives, passed away on Sunday, January 14, 2007 at the age of 82. She was born in Kansas City, Missouri on December 15, 1924 to the late Joseph Mac Thomas and Juanita B. Thomas.

A graduate of Oklahoma University, she taught physical education for 15 years in several elementary schools in Owensboro. After her retirement from the public school system in 1981 she formed and instructed a loyal group of ladies in an exercise and dance class which met two or three times a week in the gymnasium of her church, Zion United Church of Christ at 7th and Allen Streets, in Owensboro. She directed this class until about 2004, when health problems made it impossible for her to continue.

Kathy was a Life Member of the Owensboro Branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women) and was responsible for writing the history of the Owensboro Branch. She was also active for many years in the Park Regency Book Club. Her church membership was very precious to her. She sang in the church choir for many years and held various church offices including several terms as president of the Womens Guild, and president of the Couples Class in the Church School. Her greatest pride, however, was her children and, in turn, their children (her grandchildren). She was preceded in death by a brother, Howard Mac Thomas.

Kathy is survived by her husband of 60 years, Avery E. Smith; two sons, Thomas A. Smith and his wife Terry, of Owensboro, and Edward W. Smith and his wife Barbara of Maceo; two daughters, Peggy Jane Rates and her husband Leon of Hawesville and Patricia Anne Bourne and her husband Tom of Bothell, WA; a brother, Joseph L. Thomas of Grandview, MO; two sisters, Juanita Epperson of Clarkston, WA and Patricia Grigsby of Manchester, TN; 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday (January 18th) at Zion United Church of Christ with the Rev. Michael Marx officiating. Visitation is scheduled to precede the service from noon until service time at the church.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Zion United Church of Christ or the charity of ones choice.