Lillie M. Smith

Lilly Maude Smith, 78, passed away on May 14, 2026. Services will be Saturday, May 23, 2026 beginning with visitation at 1 pm and memorial service to follow at 2 pm at New Zion Baptist Church, 1501 Louis Coleman Jr. Drive.

Lillie was the cherished daughter of Homer Strickland and Lethia Conn-Charter. Lillie’s life was a testament to love, dedication, and resilience. She shared 59 beautiful years of marriage with her devoted husband, Lawrence E. Smith, whom she married on July 15, 1966. Together, they built a loving home in Jeffersonville, IN, where they raised four wonderful children: Lyndia Johnson, Michelle Smith, Angela Smith, and Lawrence Smith, Jr. Lillie’s legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Charles Williams, Jr., and Alexandria Johnson, who brought immense joy to her life.

A proud graduate of Louisville Male High School’s class of 1965, Lillie furthered her education at Bellarmine College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her career as a registered nurse spanned three decades, during which she compassionately served patients at Jewish Hospital for 20 years and Baptist East in New Albany for another 10 years. Her commitment to caring for others left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of working alongside her. She retired in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of compassionate care and dedication.

Lillie was a woman of many talents and interests. She was an enthusiastic participant in several bowling leagues for over 40 years, where her competitive spirit and camaraderie were always on display. Whether she was playing card games with her family, attending music festivals and concerts, Lillie’s vibrant spirit was infectious. She shared her love of competition by cheering passionately at U of L basketball games, joining volleyball leagues and supporting her children in their extra-curricular activities.  She also found great joy in reading romance novels and indulging in the captivating worlds of soap operas.  She loved to travel and explored many places through vacation cruises with her husband, Lawrence.

An example of her altruism is when her daughters wanted to join the Girl Scouts, but there were no troops nearby. Lillie inquired about starting a troop and was talked into becoming the Troop leader for the local Brownies in Jeffersonville, IN for two years.

Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family were the hallmarks of Lillie’s character. Her beautiful smile and infectious laugh could light up any room, and her deep affection for her husband and family was evident in every aspect of her life. She remained close to her siblings, nieces, and nephews, always visiting and cherishing those relationships.

Lillie was predeceased by her beloved parents, Homer and Lethia, and siblings, Charles Eugene Strickland, Jessie Williams, Mary Cecilia Peppers, Catherine “Itsy” Stevenson, Barbara Jean Matthews, Cornell Strickland, and Rosie Mae Grundy. She also mourned the loss of several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is survived by her loving husband, Lawrence; her brother, Benjamin Strickland; her children, Lynda, Michelle, Angela, and Lawrence Jr.; her grandchildren, Charles and Alexandria; and several nieces and nephews who will continue to honor her legacy.

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