Mildred Johnson Smith

Mildred Johnson Smith, 94, of Owensboro, Kentucky, passed away on October 6, 2026. Born on April 29, 1932, she was the tenth of eleven children born to the late Francis Titus and Petronilla Speaks Johnson. A devoted homemaker, Mildred dedicated her life to caring for her family and creating a home filled with love, warmth, and cherished memories.

Mildred was a devoted Catholic whose unwavering faith in God was the foundation of her life. A faithful and dedicated member of St. Pius Tenth Catholic Church, she was honored with the Sophia Award in 2007 in recognition of her devotion and service to her faith community.

Mildred had a beautiful heart and a gentle spirit. She was a loving, kind, and compassionate woman who always put the needs of others before her own. She had a special way of making everyone feel loved, cared for, and remembered. Her faith was not simply something she practiced, but something she lived each and every day. She was known for lighting candles and offering prayers for anyone in need, always believing in the power of prayer and God's love.

Above all, Mildred treasured her family. Her greatest joy came from the love she shared with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-granddaughter. She loved attending their sporting events and could always be counted on to be their biggest cheerleader, proudly cheering them on from the sidelines. Some of her most cherished moments were the simple ones, gathered around the table playing cards and games, sharing laughter, making memories, and enjoying time together. Whether she was cheering from the stands or sitting around the table with family, Mildred made sure each one knew just how loved and special they were. Her life was a beautiful example of selfless love, unwavering faith, and quiet strength. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and devotion that will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

In addition to her parents, Mildred was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Lee Smith; her brothers, Herbert Johnson, F.T. Johnson, and Wilburn Johnson; her sisters, Edwina Payne, Mae Hester, Lucille Schweikarth, Lillie Horton, Cecilia Hawkins, and Margie Clark; her great-granddaughter, Bailey Thompson; and her grandson by marriage, Keith Peercy.

Those left to cherish her memory include her three sons, Wayne (Susan) Smith, Bob Smith, and Greg (Delores) Smith; and her daughter, Gail (Ricky) Wallace.

She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Robin (Richard) Thompson, Holly (Lee) Barber, Amy (Andy) Thompson, Tyler (Trina) Smith, April (Jordan)Gray, Melody (James) Clark, Amber (John) Hitch, Chad (Stephanie) Ray, Krystal (Adam) Flowers, Jeff (Natalie) Smith, and Carissa (Bryce) James; and her step-grandchildren, Tennille (Danny) Hinton, Brent (June) Wallace, and Adam (Casey) Wallace.

Mildred was also blessed with 31 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter. She is further survived by her brother, Harold (Barbara) Johnson; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many dear friends whose lives were touched by her love and kindness.

The funeral Mass will take place Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Pius Tenth Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., also at St. Pius Tenth Catholic Church. Committal and funeral will be at Mater Dolorosa Cemetery immediately following the Funeral Mass.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Pius Tenth, 3418 KY 144, Owensboro, KY 42303; or Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Kentucky, 3419 Wathens Crossing, Owensboro, KY 42301; or National Autism Association, 310 Maple Avenue, Suite E 1, Barrington, RI 02806.

Care by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

Messages and condolences for the family may be shared at www.glenncares.com.