Mary Ellen Smith

Mary Ellen Smith, age 97, of Pineville, KY, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. She was born in Pineville, KY, on September 20, 1928, the daughter of the late Edgar (Ed) Noel and Martha Emily Miracle Hoskins.

Mary Ellen was a beloved member of her community, known for her warmth and generosity. She cherished spending time with her family, as well as indulging her passions for gardening, cooking, and canning. Her hands were often busy, whether nurturing the plants in her garden or preparing delicious meals for those she loved.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 years, Wiliam Henry Smith; her daughter, Judy and son, Freddie Lee; brothers, Ben Hoskins, Lonnie (Mary Rachel) Hoskins, Ewell (Sevie) Hoskins, Ewing Hoskins, Edward Hoskins and Fred (Mable) Hoskins; sisters, Elsie Hoskins, Fannie (Richard) Barnett and Thelma (Bill) Saylor.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Coy (Shelia) Smith; daughters, Linda Smith and Fern (Phillip) Risner; grandsons, Coy Allen (Teresa) Smith, Russell (Sandy) Smith, Mike (Haley) Smith, Jeff Hurst and Stacy (Leslie) Risner; granddaughters, Tabitha Risner, Melinda (Jamie) Johnson, and Hannah Ruth (Ed) Shelton; great-grandchildren, Liam (Savannah) Risner, Avery Risner, Ethan (Lex) Risner, Seth Risner, Eli Smith, Everett Smith, Ella Smith, Abby Johnson, Austin (Julia) Johnson, and Brooke Hurst; step great-grandchildren, Spencer Cline and Jade (Chris) Hesson; two great, great-grandchildren, Dakota Risner and Elliott Hudson Risner; and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family of Mary Ellen Smith will receive friends on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro, KY.

Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m., with Elder Stacy Risner presiding and Elder Jody Risner reading the obituary.

At the conclusion of the funeral service, family and friends will travel in procession to the Hurst Cemetery, (Page Cutoff near Blue Ridge Baptist Church), Pineville, KY, where graveside services will be held. 

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, nephews and great grandson, David Hoskins, Jeff Hurst, Ethan Risner, Liam Risner, Seth Risner, Avery Risner, Corey Smith, Russell Smith, Steve Hoskins and Mike Hoskins.  

Honorary pallbearers will be Coy Allen Smith, Mike Smith, and Freeman Hoskins.  

Mary Ellen Smith will be remembered not just for her nurturing spirit and dedication to her family, but also for the love she shared with all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

The family is grateful for the exceptional care provided by the staff at the Middlesboro Health and Rehabilitation Facility, as well as Dr. Barry and his team, who attentively looked after her over the years.

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Mary Ellen Smith are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, KY.