Mrs. Corenia Mink Smith, 81, of Barbourville, passed away Wednesday afternoon, March 5, 2025 at her home. She was born on June 15, 1943 in Livingston, the daughter of the late Woodrow Wilson and Emma Bertie Carpenter Mink.
Corenia was a former desk clerk at the Knox County Hospital and a member of the Callihan Baptist Church. She enjoyed family get-togethers, caring for people, tending flowers, gardening and canning. She also had great affection for her pets, Honey and Boo.
On February 11, 1961, she united in marriage with Gary Wayne Smith and to this union three children were born.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Wayne; a son, Jerry Wayne Smith; brothers, Edgar Vernon, James, Lawrence, Jack and Mirle Mink; son-in-law, Jeffery Mullins; sister-in-law, Linda Mink; brothers-in-law, Bud Byrd and Larry Montgomery and a niece, Jan Mink.
Survivors include her loving daughters, Carolyn Sue Payne and fiancé, Tony Wilson, and Donna Kay Smith all of Barbourville; sisters, Joyce Land and husband, Lawrence, of Lancaster, Lucy Montgomery of Nicholasville and Delphine Byrd of Lancaster; brothers, Darrell Mink and wife, Kelley, and Harold Mink and wife, Nan, all of Nicholasville; sisters-in-law, Patricia Mink of Lexington and Sandy Mink of Lancaster; grandchildren, Michael Garrett Payne and wife, Rachel, Crystal Jean Jackson and husband, David, Heather Marie Matlock and husband, Travis, and Jerilyn Carla Payne; great grandchildren, Leah Jackson, Kelsi Matlock, Jenna Jackson and Jasmine Payne; son-in-law, Ronnie Payne; her work-family at the Knox County Hospital; among other loved ones and dear friends.
Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Sunday, March 9 at 2 P.M. with Rev. Sylvester Dunn officiating. She will be laid to rest in the New Bethel Cemetery.
Casket bearers will be the Union Commonwealth University baseball players.
Friends may visit at the funeral home Sunday after 12:30 P.M. until the funeral hour.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.
