Kathryn A. Smith

Kathryn Smith, beloved mother, grandmother and friend passed away peacefully on July 11, 2021 at the University Hospital in Columbia, Missouri surrounded by family.
Kathryn was born July 20, 1932 to Weston and Lucille Dixon-Arnett in Corydon, Ky, she was 4th child out of seven children. She graduated from Douglas High School in Henderson, Ky in 1951. She went on to marry Samuel Smith in 1952 and moved to Topeka, KS. They had five children: Janice, Cynthia, Brian, Carmalita and Sam. She often spoke of her time in Topeka and the incredible circle of friends that they made.
She and her family moved to Columbia, MO in 1972. She held the position as a psychiatric aide at Harry S. Truman Hospital and retired after many years of service. After retiring from the VA Hospital she joined the staff as a pre-school teacher at Nora Stewart Nursery School where she devoted 20 years of service. She took great pride in her work at Nora Stewart and the relationships she developed with so many children and their families.
She accepted Christ at an early age and she was a lifetime member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church in Corydon, Ky. Her fondness for living in the moment led her to become a member of Order of Eastern Star and subsequently the Daughters of Isis in Kansas City, MO.
Kathryn (also known to many as “Kathryn Ann”) was known for her sweet potato pies, collard greens, hot water cornbread and pan- fried chicken. She had a gift of hospitality, no one was ever a stranger in her home. However, more than anything, spending time with her family was her greatest joy. She had a giving heart, always looking beyond her own needs. She was known for her infectious laugh and looks that could tell a whole story. Kathryn was not afraid to speak her mind and tell you the truth whether you liked it or not.
She is survived by daughters; Janice Jackson (Earl) Columbia, Missouri; Diane Bradshaw, Columbia, Missouri; Carmalita McFarland (John Earl) Henderson, Kentucky; sons Brian Smith, Columbia, Missouri; Samuel Smith (Kim), Austin, Texas; She had 9 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. She leaves behind close friends: Betty Porter and Ollie Craig.
She was preceded in death by her parents Weston and Lucille Arnett, her husband Samuel Smith, and her siblings, Kelner Jackson, Weston Arnett, Mae Helen Madison, Norman Arnett, Ruth Harvey and Raymond Arnett.
Visitation for Kathryn will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 from 11:00 a.m. until noon. at St. Paul Baptist Church in Corydon, Ky with funeral service following at 12:00 p.m. Burial will be at UBF Cemetery in Corydon, Ky with repass following at the Knight of Columbus Hall, 1620 Colonial Avenue Henderson, Ky.
Arrangements are under the direction of Osborne Funeral Home, 702 Gum Street, Evansville, Indiana 47713.