Obituary for Irene Bates Smith
Irene Bates Smith, wife of the late Raymond Smith, died October 7, 2023. She was a native of Letcher County and the daughter of the late Henry Bates and Arminta Tolliver Bates. Irene graduated from Whitesburg High School, Pikeville College and attended the University Of Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky University. She was a longtime member of the Beryl Davis Circle and served as a deacon and on the church Session. Irene was very active in all aspects of her church and loved decorating for all the special occasions of the church. Irene was a retired teacher in the Letcher County School System. She was a longtime member of the Whitesburg Woman's Club and the Kentucky Preceptor of Beta Sigma Phi, Laureate Rho Chapter.
Irene is survived by her daughter, Mary Elizabeth "Liz" Simon of Mayking, Kentucky; one grandson, Lance Simon of Los Angeles, CA; and a beloved niece, Samantha Bates Isaac, as well as a great niece, Kaitlyn Isaac; a great nephew, Nicholas Isaac, all of Jackhorn, KY; and her beloved niece, Madonna Bates Llewelling of Seymour, TN. She was preceded in death by three brothers; Bert Litwell Bates, Donald Bates and Herman Bates.
A special thanks to caregivers, Misty Lewis, Celena Spangler and Wendy Deaton.
To plant a tree in memory of Irene Bates Smith, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Memorial Service
Tuesday
17
Oct
2:00 PM
Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church
18 Broadway Street
Whitesburg, KY 41858
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