Melissa Simms-Smith

Melissa Simms-Smith, 53, of Ashland, Ky, passed away Friday, November 7, 2025 at Community Hospice, Ashland, KY. She was born November 16, 1971, in Ironton, OH, daughter of the late Roy T. Simms Jr. and Patsy A. Johnson Simms. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles R. Nunley, Michael E. Nunley; two nephews, Greg McKenzie and Jeremiah Nunley. Melissa is survived by, her loving wife, Hope Smith; one daughter, Amiah Bullen; one son, Davrick Pendleton; one brother, Fred (veronica) Nunley, Flatwoods, KY; two sisters, Judy (Jerry) Dillon, Flatwoods, KY, Sally (Michael) Conley, Ashland, KY; two nephews, Jacob (Miranda) Dillon, Flatwoods, KY, Charles (Chrissy) Conley, Ashland, KY; two nieces, Ashley (Johnathan) Conley, Ashland, KY, Courtney (Crickets) Conley, Ashland, KY and several great nieces and nephews.
Melissa began her career with the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice in 2015 at Boyd Regional Juvenile Detention Center as a Youth Worker. In 2020, Melissa promoted to a position as Youth Service Program Supervisor and then again to her current role with Ashland Day Treatment as Deputy Juvenile Facility Manager. Prior to her career with the department, Melissa worked in education for 18 years. Melissa was a graduate of Russell High School in Russell, Kentucky, and earned her bachelor's degree from Marshall University in 1995. She also earned a master's degree in criminal justice from Florida Metropolitan University in 2003, and another master's degree from Northcentral University on Educational Leadership in 2010. She was deeply dedicated to serving the youth in her care. Her mission, in her words, was found in "helping juveniles that have fallen behind find and access opportunities to be successful". Melissa excelled in this mission. She also enjoyed being outdoors, hiking, playing basketball, crafting, and loved spending time with her family. She attended Christ Temple Church in Huntington, WV. There will be a visitation for family and friends on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Wallace Family Funeral Home in South Point, OH. Wallace Family Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.wallaceffh.com.