Mrs. Ella Jean Williams Smith

Ella W. Smith, formerly Ella Jean Williams, 76, was born on September 17, 1946, in Lexington, Kentucky, to Thomas Williams and Viola Ottilia (Williams) White. Ella gained her wings and transitioned into eternal life on Saturday, February 25, 2023. She confessed her faith at an early age and became a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Lexington, Kentucky. Throughout her many years of church membership, she was actively involved in youth programs and served in various officer roles and committees such as Stewardship of Finance (Chairperson), KY Conference Missionary President, Life Member of Women’s Missionary Society, Ross-Greenfield Missionary Society, steward, trustee, choir member, Sunday School pianist and teacher. Ella was a 1964 graduate of her beloved Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Lexington. She proceeded by becoming a first-generation college graduate of Kentucky State College, where she earned her Associate Degree in Nursing in 1970. In 1976, Ella continued her education by earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Eastern Kentucky University. Ella furthered her education by obtaining her Master of Public Affairs Degree, with a focus in personnel management, from Kentucky State University in 1986. In addition, Ella was a 1993 charter member of the Zeta Phi Chapter of the Chi Eta Phi, Inc. Nursing Sorority. She served as the first Vice President of the Zeta Phi Chapter and later served as the Chapter President. Ella was also a 1981 initiate of Kappa Lambda Zeta Graduate Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Ella was a registered nurse, working for Good Samaritan Hospital for three years and the Veterans Administration (V.A.) Hospital for a total of 33 years. During her tenure at the V.A. Hospital, she held many positions including Nurse Manager, Unit Outpatient Coordinator, and Discharge Planner. Throughout her 36-year nursing career she received many accolades and developed new programs. In addition to her accomplished nursing career, Ella was a pillar in her community. She volunteered her time to work with the youth in Lexington for 46 years. Ella served as a team mom, league officer, and President of the former Western Little League Baseball Association in Meadowthorpe Park. Over the last 32 years, Ella served as both the Cheerleader Supervisor and/or Head Coach at Martin Luther King Park (Winburn) Youth Football and Cheer Programs. Aside from Ella’s educational and professional background, along with her commitment to community service, her most endearing qualities was her ability to build genuine relationships with people of all ages and walks of life. She was adored by so many as she was affectionately known in her community as “Ella Jean” by her peers, and “Ms. Ella” by the youth that she was so involved with. Ella was the wife of Kenneth T. Smith. She also leaves to cherish her memories, a son, LaMont (Brenda), a stepson, Kenneth (Vanessa), four grandchildren, Xavier (Jade) and Gabrielle Smith, Arielle (Adam) Jones, and Jazmine Rice. Others left to mourn her loss include a host of family and friends, including: Beverly Roberts, Clara L. Davis, Viola “Libby” Nichols, Crit Fisher, Nancy Dickerson, Ronald Johnson, Sr., Russell Jack Dickerson, John Dickerson, Michael Dickerson, Vanessa Dickerson, Francine Dickerson, Jeffrey Johnson, Ronald Johnson, Jr., Brian Johnson, Gilbert Smith III, Geannene Trevillion, Geannette Williams, Gerrica Morton Stewart, Derrick Winn, Keisha Matthews, Linda Godfrey, Janice Floyd, Edwina Smarr, Carrie Newton, Priscilla Sullivan, Gloria Mayes, Charles Fields, Muhammad “Bubba” Jabaar, and John Haddix; in addition to her special MLK daughters, Adero Jones and BJ Sturgis, MLK grandchildren, Mahari, Mikaili and Timothy Sturgis, other Bronco family near and dear to her heart: Beth Barnes, Ray Apoku, Dynaste Dawson, and Sonya Crumbie. Ella will be missed and forever be celebrated by all who knew her.

Mrs. Ella Jean Williams Smith

September 17, 1946 - February 25, 2023

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Mrs. Ella Jean Williams Smith

September 17, 1946 - February 25, 2023

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information