Dawn Smith: Oct. 5, 2007

Dawn Marie Smith, 44, wife of James N. Smith, Jr., of Drake Lane in Wilmore passed away peacefully at her on home Oct. 5, after an inspiring, courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born in Vicksburg, Mich., the loving daughter of John and Nancy Greer of Ocala, Fla. 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 Oct. 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 Kentucky, 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 Kentucky Veterans Center in Hazard and the Western Kentucky Veterans Center in Hanson. 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 and husband Johnny Bradford, brothers, Russell and wife Reba Greer, Mark and wife Sandy Greer, Mike and wife Shelley Greer, mother-in-law, Jewell Smith, sisters-in-laws, Terry and husband David Aldridge, Debbie and husband 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 were at 11 a.m. on Monday Oct. 8, at Betts & West Funeral Home with Dr. Greg Waltermire officiating. Burial was at Wilmore Cemetery. Visitation was Sunday from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Bearers were 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 Road, 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 1�2 Park Drive, Nicholasville, KY 40356.