Mrs. Kathy (Luke) Smith, age 67, of Hazlehurst, GA, passed away on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026, at HCA Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, FL, at the age of 67 while under hospice care. She was surrounded by her family during this time.

Kathy June (Luke) Smith was born in Freeport, TX, on September 12th, 1958, to the late Ronald Charles Luke and Betty Jo Easterling. Kathy attended school in Hazlehurst and graduated as the Salutatorian of Jeff Davis High School in 1976.

In addition to her parents, Kathy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Jack C. Smith. She was also preceded in death by her mother-in-law Marjorie Smith and sister-in-law Marlene Strickland.

Kathy is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Jamie C. & Kylie (Rowland) Smith of Hazlehurst and Jeffrey C. & Rachel (Bailey) Smith of Portal. She was the loving Grammy of five grandchildren: Maggie Smith, Jarrett Smith, Ashtyn Johnson, Allie Johnson, and Isabella Smith, and one great grandchild, Taelyn Johnson. She is also survived by three sisters: Carol (Richard) Lowther of Surrency, Lora (Chris) Hines of Hazlehurst, and Amy Clay of Hazlehurst; two brothers: Mark (Bonnie) Luke of Hardeeville, SC, and Dr. Charlie (Dr. Joy) Luke of Midland, TX; brother-in-law Odis "Buddy" & Brenda Smith, and sister-in-law Carlene & Ed Gauler, both of Hazlehurst.  In addition, she leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and other cherished family members.

Kathy spent her early years raising her sons while traveling with her husband to his duty stations as he served in the Army. After his service, they moved back to Hazlehurst where she spent years working with her mother-in-law Marjorie Smith at the Sewing Nook. She was then employed for 24 years at the Bank of Hazlehurst, most recently as a loan officer. She took great pride in her work and loved the people she worked with, but she loved spending time with her family most of all.

She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where she served faithfully in various callings, including in Primary and the Relief Society. She was sealed to her husband, Jack, the love of her life.

Kathy Smith loved all, but animals and children held a special place in her heart.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 8, 2026 from 6-8 p.m at Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home.  A graveside service for family and friends will be held at Hazlehurst City Cemetery on June 9, 2026 at 10 am.

Honorary pallbearers are the Bank of Hazlehurst employees and the Hazlehurst Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Those wishing to honor Kathy's memory may make a memorial donation to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation at helpfightra.org/donations/

The family can be contacted at 90 Odis Smith Ln, Hazlehurst, GA.

Wainright-Parlor Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.