Helen Jean Smith

Mrs. Helen Jean Smith, 86, of Murray, KY died on Friday, October 19, 2012 at the Murray Calloway County Hospital.
Mrs. Smith was born in Eldorado, IL on September 24, 1926 to the late Aubrey Giles and Jessie Skelton Giles. Mrs. Smith retired with the Calloway County Health Department after many years of service and had previously worked as a legal secretary. Mrs. Smith was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Murray. Before moving to Murray, she was a prior member as well as the organist for the Fountain Avenue United Methodist Church in Paducah, KY.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Charles G. Smith, who died on May 26, 2005; and by her two brothers, Eudell "Red" Giles and James Robert Giles.
Mrs. Smith is survived by one daughter, Stacy Jones of Harrisburg, PA; one son, Dr. Mikel Smith and wife Annette of Lexington, KY; and by three grandchildren, Ellen Smith of Bloomington, IN, Ben Smith of Raleigh, NC and Jennie Jones of Harrisburg, PA.
Mrs. Smith met and married the love of her life, the late Dr. Charles G. Smith on August 5, 1950. Dr. Smith's teaching career took them to Ridgway, IL, Paducah, KY and Murray, KY. As a teacher's wife, she supported his career and entertained generations of students. Her friends and family will remember her kindness, sharp wit, sense of humor, and world – class giraffe collection.
An avid sports fan and accomplished pianist/organist; she also enjoyed needlepoint and completing the morning crossword puzzle. She loved listening to Gospel and Bluegrass music, especially by Home Remedy.
A "techy – grandma", she kept up with her family and friends through email, texting and forwarded jokes. Despite her declining health, she remained strong – willed and "wonderfully independent." Through constant worry, she kept everyone in her thoughts and prayers and was the heart of her family. She will be dearly missed by all.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home with Rev. Rick Dye and Rev. Bob Saywell officiating. Burial to follow at the Blackman Cemetery in Stonefort, IL. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the First United Methodist Church, 503 Maple Street, Murray, KY 42071 -or- The Dr. Charles G. Smith Scholarship Fund, Murray State University, 122 Ordway Hall, Murray, KY 42071.
Online condolences can be made at, www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com