Dawn Marie Smith

Dawn Marie Smith, 44, wife of James N. Smith, Jr., of Drake Lane in Wilmore passed away peacefully at her home October 5th, 2007 after an inspiring, courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born in Vicksburg, MI, the loving daughter of John and Nancy Greer of Ocala, FL. She grew up in Key West, and met her husband Jim, a native of Lexington, when he was working one summer there. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary October 2. Her love for her family was boundless and unconditional and she will be deeply missed by those she touched. She considered her greatest accomplishments being a wife and mother. She was a member of heritage Baptist Church in Lexington. Before retiring after 13 years of service to the veterans of Ky., she had been the Executive Staff Assistant to the Commissioner of Veteran Affairs. Much of her time was spent caring for the geriatric patients at Thomson-Hood Veterans Center in Wilmore where she earned distinct recognition for her outstanding performance and compassion for the residents and their families. She took pride in the opportunity to participate in the development and opening of both the Eastern Ky. Veterans Center in Hazard, KY and the Western Ky. Veterans Center in Hanson, Ky. Dawn, in her spare time, had worked at Coachlight Antiques in Nicholasville where she loved collecting Primitives and she had a passion for flea markets. Besides her parents, she is survived by her husband Jim, son, Christian, daughter, Kelsey, sister Kelly (Johnny) Bradford, brothers, Russell (Reba) Greer, Mark (Sandy) Greer, Mike (Shelley) Greer, Mother-in-law, Jewell Smith, sisters-in-laws, Terry (David) Aldridge, Debbie (Kenny) Bailey, nieces and nephews, Sara Costa, Tanner and Tyler Aldridge, Katie and Kari Bailey, Tommy, Braxton, Markie, Allison and Tiffany Greer and great-nephew Ethan Costa, special friends, Alisa Hamilton and Pam Guy. She was a special -Granny- to Grafton, Liam, and Ethan Hamilton. She was preceded in death by their child, Abraham. Services will be 11:00 AM Monday, October 8, 2007 at Betts & West Funeral Home with Dr. Greg Waltermire officiating. Burial in Wilmore Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 5-9 PM at the funeral home. In tribute to Dawn please wear colorful clothing. . Bearers will be Russell, Mark and Mike Greer, David, Tanner and Tyler Aldridge, Kenny Bailey and Mike Hamilton. Honorary Bearers will be Barry Atkins, Jerry Finn, Katie and Kari Bailey (her care-givers), Grafton and Liam Hamilton, Jake Green, Josh Edwards, Blake Garrsion, Joey Sideranko, Anthony Apro, Trent Hale, Toni Young, Carrie Melton, D.J. Huff and Bren Magruder. Her family wishes to thank Dr. Horn, Dr. Martin and all the nurses and staff of the Cancer Center of Lexington Clinic for their exceptional care during Dawn-s illness. She considered them family and was always thinking of ways to help them raise money for the Relay-for-Life Team. Contributions can be sent in her name to 1401 Harrodsburg Rd., Lexington, KY 40504 to attention Renee Valentine. Because of Dawn-s strong love for all animals, donations may also be made to the Jessamine Humane Society, 400 - Park Dr., Nicholasville, KY 40356.

Visitation:
Sunday from 5-9 PM at Betts & West Funeral Home

Funeral:
Monday at 11 AM at Betts & West Funeral Home

Interment:
Wilmore Cemetery