Doris Jean Smith

Doris Jean Smith, 66, passed away on November 19, 2025. Services will be Wednesday, November 26, 2025 beginning with visitation at 10 am and funeral service to follow at 12 noon at New Zion Baptist Church, 1501 Louis Coleman Jr. Drive. Interment will be in Kentucky Veterans Cemetery, Radcliff, KY.

Doris Jean was born June 28, 1959, in Louisville, Kentucky, to Cecilia and Robert Simms Sr. Doris was the fourth-born daughter among seven siblings, growing up in a loving, close-knit family that shaped her strength, compassion, and warmth.

Doris attended Shawnee High School until she was bused to Pleasure Ridge Park High School, where she completed the 11th and 12th grades. She graduated in 1978. After high school, she continued her education at Jefferson Vocational College, where she took courses that prepared her for a meaningful career in healthcare.

She began her career as a physical therapist assistant at Pavillion Healthcare Center, where her dedication and compassionate care quickly set her apart. Doris later became the Director of Activities, a role she served in faithfully for 20 years. She transitioned to Parkway Medical Center, serving as the Director and Assistant Director of Activities there for another 20 years. She brought joy, comfort, and dignity to the residents she served, leaving a lasting impact on countless lives.

Doris enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, dancing, and listening to music-Tupac especially. She had a green thumb and found joy in nurturing her plants, which brightened her home as much as she brightened the lives of others.

Doris was a loving, compassionate, and thoughtful presence-not only to her family, but also to the residents she cared for at both Pavillion Healthcare and Landmark Medical Center, formerly known as Parkway Medical Center. Her gentle spirit, patience, and devotion will forever be remembered with deep gratitude.

She is survived by her loving husband, Odell Smith; her children Angela, Odell, Yvonne, and Mark; her grandchildren Dominic, Jordan, Makaya, Aidan, and Sariya; and her great-grandson Isaiah. She is also survived by her father, Robert Simms Sr.; her brothers Keith, Robert, and Cecil; and her nieces Penda, Tenisha (Christopher Sr.), Ti, Mia, and Ciera, as well as her nephews Raymon and Christopher. Her aunt and uncle. Barbara and Richard Ellery and their children. Donna Stephanie William Marcia and Jesse. As well as their children. All will forever cherish her memory and the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.

Doris was preceded in death by her mother, Cecilia; her brothers Kenny and Stevie; her sister Tina; and her grandson Adrian. Her life was a testament to perseverance, kindness, and quiet grace-qualities that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.