Wilma E. Smith

Beloved Owen County teacher, Miss Wilma Evelyn Smith, age 100, passed away peacefully on November 30, 2013 with her family by her side. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was a wonderful example of faith, determination, and charity. Countless Owen County residents will fondly remember Miss Smith as a tireless educator, motivator, and caring friend. Wilma Evelyn Smith was born June 16, 1913 at Cedar Hill, to Elnora Fagg and Thomas C. Hill, Jr. She had three brothers, Virgil, Cecil and Paul Hill and selflessly took on the task of their rearing after the untimely death of their mother. After graduating from Owenton High School in 1932, she earned a degree from Georgetown College. She then began a long teaching career at Cedar Hill School in 1935 in a one-room schoolhouse where she cooked the children's meals and built a fire every cold winter morning. Eventually, in 1985, she retired from Owenton Elementary School but was still there to lend a helping hand as a substitute teacher well into her 70's. She married Elza Carl Smith in 1935 and had one daughter, Joyce Hill Hardin in 1937. Miss Wilma was a dedicated member of the Cedar Hill Baptist Church, Sunday School teacher, 4-H Leader and more than capable farmhand as well. She was a member of the Owen County Retired Teachers Association. She was preceded in death by her husband and her brothers. She is survived by her daughter, Joyce Hill Hardin; four grandchildren, David (fiancée Lori), Tom (Clare), Michael (Tricia) and Fred (Brittany); seven great-grandchildren, Dustin, Sam, Eric, Anna, Andrew, Kendra and Hudson and several nieces and nephews. McDonald & New Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements. Family will receive friends at the Seminary Street location on Tuesday, December 3rd from 11am until 3pm. Funeral services will follow at 3pm with Bro. David "Milkweed" Wotier presiding. Burial will be in the Owenton Cemetery. Donations to be made to Owen County Children's Fund and Owen County Historical Society.