Shirley Smith Jones

Shirley Smith Jones, 93, of Owensboro, passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at her home surrounded by family. She was born March 18, 1933, in Pontiac, Michigan, to the late Trafton and Madilene Lyons Smith.

Shirley was a graduate of Owensboro High School and she and her friends stayed close and enjoyed many lunch dates through the years. Always exemplifying her Christian faith, Shirley welcomed people with a kind hand and caring heart, showing love to friends and strangers alike. Her passionate work for the church always took precedence on her weekly calendar. She was an active member in the Order of the Daughters of the King. She would willingly join you for a game of cards, but given a choice, she would choose to play bridge. Her greatest gifts in life were her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who affectionately called her Grandma Shirley or G-da.

Along with her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, William S. Jones; son, Theodore William Thompson; infant son, George William Thompson IV; stepson, William Grant Jones; and step granddaughter, Nicole Jones.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Trafta Thompson O’Bryan (David), and Tamella Thompson Wilhoyte (James); stepson, Tommy Jones (Dianna); grandchildren, Dana O’Bryan Peters (Todd), Nathan O’Bryan, Courtney Wilhoyte French (Bobby), Storm Wilhoyte Kowalewski (Cam); step grandchildren, Amy Kurz (Mark), Tyson Jones, Michelle Tapp, and Jason Jones; great grandchildren, Hayden Peters, Camden Peters, Kaidyn French, Madilyn French, Everlie Kowalewski, and Maverick Kowalewski, and several step great grandchildren.

The funeral service for Shirley Smith Jones will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Trinity Episcopal Church, with Fr. David Carletta and Fr. Pat Cornnell. Burial to follow in Owensboro Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory and on Saturday November 7 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service at Trinity Episcopal Church.

Care by Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Trinity Episcopal Church, 720 Ford Ave, Owensboro, KY 42301 or the charity of your choice.

Memories and condolences for the family of Shirley Smith Jones may be left at www.glenncares.com