Judi Smith Obituary

Judi Marie Gearheart Smith
1946-2025
"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."
- Proverbs 31:28
Judi Marie Gearheart Smith, 79, of Ashland, KY, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, at King's Daughters Medical Center. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, and a faithful woman of God.
Judi was born on June 15, 1946. She was the blessing of the late Manford and Mildred Borders Gearheart. In 1965, she married the love of her life, George Smith, and together they shared 60 beautiful years of marriage and raised two children.
Judi was a graduate of Thomas R. Brown High School. Judi touched the lives of many as a teacher at Marta's Small World Daycare, where she helped shape young minds with patience and care.
Judi poured her heart into creating a joyful, nurturing home, raising her children with laughter, discipline, and unwavering love.
She coached their softball teams, attended every event, and was a constant, supportive presence in their lives. She embodied the Proverbs 31 woman, managing her household with grace and selflessness. Her home was a haven of love, where her children grew up with fond memories. Judi's adventurous spirit took her across nearly every state in America, riding shot-gun next to George with a sense of wonder and excitement for every new road.
Her greatest joys were her grandchildren and great-grandchild, with whom she shared a deep, playful love. Nothing lit up her spirit more than time spent with them. Judi also had a deep love for animals, especially her many beloved dogs over the years.
Judi's legacy is one of deep love, unwavering faith, and joyful living. Her presence will be dearly missed, but her memory will live on in the lives of all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, George Smith; her devoted daughter Reginia Maynard and son-in-law
Shannon "Mousie" Maynard III of Ashland, KY; three cherished grandchildren, Kaylee Marie Smith, Rusti Dawn Thomas, and Tanner Joseph Smith; one precious great-grandchild, Lydia Mayo; and her loyal companion, Figero.
Judi is enjoying a Heavenly Reunion with her beloved son, Steven Joseph Smith; grandson, Bryar Steven Smith; and a host of siblings. Just across the rainbow bridge, Judi was met by a host of yorkies with wagging tails and lots of love. Her journey home was one filled with love.
A visitation for Judi will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home located at 2702 Panola Street, Catlettsburg, beginning at 11am. The visitation will be followed by a graveside service at Catlettsburg Cemetery beginning at 12pm.
Online condolences may be sent to the family from our website at kilgorecollierfuneralhome.com or on Facebook at Neal-Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home.
Kilgore & Collier Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Judi Marie Gearheart Smith.
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