Mary "Buffy" Smith

Mary Frances "Buffy" Smith, 95, of Lexington, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, in the city where she was born and lived her entire life.

Born on February 5, 1930, in Lexington, Buffy was the heart of her family and a friend to all who knew her. She was educated at Dunbar High School and later attended Clark Atlanta University, beginning a life marked by hard work, love, and connection.

Buffy spent 20 years serving as a correctional officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, a role in which she took great pride. After retiring, she found unexpected joy in her second career as a greeter at Sam's Club, where she worked until the age of 87. Her smile, humor, humming and singing on the door made her a favorite among coworkers and customers alike. She always spoke fondly of her "Sam's Club family."

After leaving Sam's Club, Buffy continued enjoying life, staying busy and social. She attended the Lexington Senior Center, where she made many new friends. She was loved for her kindness, sense of humor and sassiness. Her personality shined through her many stories. Her favorite activities were BINGO, Trivia and AARP luncheons. She also played Bingo weekly at the Black and Williams Center.

Buffy was known for her generous heart, and her ability to make everyone feel welcome. Her family and friends will forever cherish her strength, and the countless ways she showed her love.

She was preceded in death by her 2 husbands, John Davis Sr.and Charles Smith, her 2 sons Wayman (Eva), John "JJ" (Carla).

She is survived by her 2 daughters- Tonya (Kim) and Lisa; 1 nephew/son Eddie (Johnella)

Grandchildren (15): Kym, Keenen, Donnell, Brandon, Demetrius, Leniece, Heather, Chris, Rashadd, Adrian, Jonathan, Britney, Carletta, Brandon & Eric.

Great grandchildren (20): Remmington, Ryatt,Chris Jr, Breah, Rashadd Jr, Adrian Jr, Landin, Camryn, Carter, Kamani, Jaleea, Aubree, Brandon Jr, Cota, Kylo, Pattie, Jonathan, Kylie, Akira, Kayden.

Great great grandchildren(3): Violet, Skylar & Lanaeigh. So many extended family and dear friends all who will miss her deeply.

The family invites friends to honor Buffy by showing a simple act of kindness to someone in need-just as she so often did.