Obituary of Bernice Warren Smith

SMITH, Bernice Warren age 89 of South Lebanon, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at home. Mrs. Smith was born June 12, 1926 in Flatlick, Kentucky. She is the daughter of James Henry Warren (1866) and Alice Garrett (Hammons) Warren (1879). Mrs. Smith was the youngest and last of Eleven children. From the birth of her father until her death, her immediate family spanned 150 years. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Mrs. Smith was a resident of South Lebanon since 1962. She obtained her teaching certificate from the State of Kentucky and taught until she moved to Ohio. Once she moved to Ohio, she taught as a substitute teacher for many of the surrounding areas. And on occasion, you would find one of her students was her child. She loved teaching, had a passion for baking, and a green thumb for gardening. She truly was the consummate family chef. They never set down to dinner without dessert. She enjoyed sharing these joys of life with her family. She never retired from doing the things she loved. To all of that new her, she was known as mamaw. Mrs. Smith is preceded in death by her husband, David Nathan Smith of 66 years; parents; Son, Challis E. Smith; daughter, Patricia Lynn Smith; and granddaughter, Tracy (Smith) Gerardot; Brothers; Challis Warren, Cecil Warren, Thomas Warren, Reed Warren, James Warren, Jr., Kermit Warren, and Sisters; Martha Warren, Minnie Carnes, Otie Hobbs, and Etta Jarvis. She leaves behind her loving children James David (Teresa) Smith of South Lebanon, Ohio, William N. (Sandra) Smith of Lebanon, Ohio, Jason E. (Christina) Smith of Morrow, Ohio, Kathy B. (Art) Keith of Blanchester, Ohio, Debra K. (Jerry) Maurer of Jacksonville, Florida, Peggy Sue Smith Nommay (Mark) of Indianapolis, Indiana and Tammy L. Mayer of South Lebanon, Ohio; 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Mrs. Smith dearly loved her family. She was so proud of all of their accomplishments. When ever you see a red rose, think of her spirit. She will be sadly missed. The family will receive friends Monday evening, March 28, 2016 from 6pm until 8pm at the Stine Kilburn Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at 12pm with Rev. Arthur McFarland officiating. Burial will follow in the Deerfield Cemetery, South Lebanon, Ohio. In Lieu of flowers, the family appreciates memorial donations made directly to Stine Kilburn Funeral Home, 801 Monroe Road, Lebanon, Ohio 45036.