Sharon J. Smith

Sharon J. Smith, a cherished resident of Crossville, TN, passed away on Wednesday, February 19th, 2025, at the age of 78. Born in Crossville, TN, on Friday, February 7, 1947, Sharon lived a life full of love, dedication, and kindness. A devoted homemaker, Sharon’s home was always filled with warmth and compassion, traits that she extended not only to her family but to all those fortunate enough to know her. Her nurturing spirit was evident in the close-knit family she leaves behind. Sharon is survived by her loving children, daughter Loretta (Jim) Kmet and son Tony (Donna) Smith, who carry forward her legacy of love and family. Her four granddaughters – Sarah (Dave) Knieling, Kayla (Josh) Walsh, Courtney (Derek) Diden, and Casee Smith – remember her as a guiding light and source of unwavering support. Sharon also leaves behind her precious great-grandchildren: James Marie Knieling, Morgan Kay Walsh, Cooper Kenneth Knieling, and Jacob Charles Walsh, each promising to uphold the values she imparted. Also mourning Sharon’s passing are her dear sisters, Ellen Cox and Carolyn Hennessee, along with many beloved nieces and nephews, who will forever cherish her memory. Sharon was preceded in death by her loving husband, Melvin F. Smith, her parents, Wiley and Mirta Hayes, and her siblings, Thomas Hayes, Earl Hayes, Odell Hayes, Alice Hayes, Mary Ruth Sullivan, Flara Whitaker, Vera Futhey, and Wilma Houston. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at a visitation on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am, at Bilbrey Funeral Home in Crossville, TN. A funeral service to honor and celebrate Sharon's life will begin at 11:00 am with burial to follow at Linary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alzheimer’s of Tennessee (alztennessee.org) and Cure Sanfilippo Foundation (curesanfilippofoundation.org), causes close to Sharon’s heart. Sharon J. Smith will be dearly missed by all who knew her, but her spirit lives on in the love and memories shared by her family and friends. Arrangements for Sharon are provided by Bilbrey Funeral Home and Cremation Service.