Elizabeth McKenna Smithson passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 12, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on September 19, 1957, in Paducah, KY, Elizabeth spent most of her life in her beloved hometown before retiring to Ocala, FL, in October 2020 with her cherished dog, Gracie.

Elizabeth was a graduate of Murray State University. She was a driven entrepreneur, opening and managing her own Wicks & Sticks store in the KY Oaks Mall for several years. Later, she transitioned to a career in human resources at Sam's Club and eventually joined the Kentucky Health Department, where she worked until her retirement.

Elizabeth had a creative and generous spirit. She found joy in making handmade cards, quilting, and spending time with her family and friends. Her kindness and compassion were evident in everything she did, from crafting birthday cards for her church members to creating donation quilts for veterans and ill or in need children.

Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents, John A. McKenna and Martha P. McKenna, as well as her husband, Howard (Terry) Smithson, all of Paducah, KY. She is survived by her two brothers, John McKenna of The Villages, FL, and Patrick McKenna of Ocala, FL. She also leaves behind a loving extended family, including four nieces, two nephews, eight great-nieces, four great-nephews, two great-great-nieces, and two great-great-nephews. Additionally, she was blessed with dear friends she considered family, including "The Quilting Sisters" and the "Dog Park Ladies."

Burial will take place in her hometown of Paducah, KY.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elizabeth's memory to:

The James Stitching Sisters – The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Project Linus – https://www.projectlinus.org/or Quilts of Valor (QOV) – Oconomowo Quilt Guild 102325 – https://www.qovf.org/donate/#

Elizabeth will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, and unwavering kindness. She touched the lives of so many and will be deeply missed.