Anne Howard Smith

Louisville - Died Thursday, September 14, 2023, after many years of medical challenges.

Born November 10, 1943, in Louisville, to Lillian and Howard Esarey, she graduated from Southern High School in 1961 and married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Smith. Anne was a gifted cellist and pianist with a degree in Music from Kentucky Southern College. She obtained a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education and Counseling from Spalding University due to a life-long love for and investment in children (of all ages). Anne combined this with a deep faith and love of the Lord and used those to forge a 60-year career in ministry. She served on staff in Education and Children's ministry at various Louisville churches (Green Acres Baptist, Shively Baptist, and Highland Baptist), and as Pastor of Newburg Christian Church. She was also an adjunct professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary for several years. Anne was a prolific, published writer of curriculum for children's programs and a sought-after speaker on child development, grief counseling, and poverty advocacy.

Anne was a tireless crusader for the voiceless and oppressed. She served as Executive Director for MUSCL (Ministries United of South-Central Louisville) for 15 years, helping found its Senior Wellness Center. Anne was respected by many politicians and business leaders as a formidable advocate for those struggling in poverty and was instrumental in the establishment of grant assistance programs between Louisville's Association of Community Ministries, LG&E, and the Louisville Water Company. She served as a deacon in her church, Jeff Street Baptist Community, and was an enthusiastic supporter of its ministry to the homeless. Anne loved all people and all of God's creatures (especially dogs). She was well-traveled, sharp-witted, highly competitive, and played a mean game of cards. Anne was given 30 "extra" years when a stranger signed the back of his license for kidney donation; this allowed her to richly bless the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as "Grams".

Preceded in death by her infant son, Samuel Smith, and her husband, Jerry Smith. While their union wasn't permanent, Anne and Jerry remained close friends throughout their lives.

She is survived by her spouse and dear life partner of 21+ years, Jean Russell; her sister, Judy Richmond; her daughter, Leigh Anne Adams (Troy); grandchildren, Kendall Barnett (Mitchell) and Evan Gibson (Dakota); great-grandchildren, Kylie and Aspen Barnett, and Wesleigh, Callum, and Camdyn Gibson; nephew, Owen Baker (Suzanne).

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy to Jeff Street Baptist Community at Liberty (800 E. Liberty, Louisville, KY, 40204) or Best Friends Animal Society (5001 Angel Canyon Rd., Kanab, UT, 84741-5000).

A Celebration of Life memorial will be planned for a future date.