Barbourville, Ky. – Lillie Smith Abner, 84, of Woollum, Kentucky passed away June 4, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Lillie was the daughter of Nettie Jordan Smith and Steve Smith born to them on June 29, 1938.
Lillie was a member of the Horn Branch Baptist Church. On June 30, 1956, Lillie united in marriage to Gilbert Walter Abner, and to this union two children were born. Lillie was a wife, mother, homemaker, and the best Mamaw. She was the most caring person you would ever meet. She worried about taking care of everyone. No one ever left her house hungry. She loved growing and tending to her garden and taking care of her grandchildren. She loved her family and cherished her time with them. Lillie’s life was a blessing to all who knew her and memories of her will be treasured. She is loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measures.
In addition to her parents Nettie and Steve Smith, Lillie was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years Gilbert Abner, three sisters Eliza Wagers, Pauline Chestnut, and Louise Smith, and three brothers Denver Smith, Earnest Smith, and Junior Smith. One grandson Kevin Thomas and two great grandchildren Kaitlyn Smith and Corey Bays also preceded Lillie in death.
Left behind to mourn her passing is her daughter Judy Thomas (Wayne) of Woollum, Kentucky, son Teddy Abner (Karin) of Woollum, Kentucky, and two brothers Thomas Smith and G.C. Smith. She also leaves behind six grandchildren Jennifer Smith (Robbie) of Girdler, Kentucky, Jessica Bays (John) of Barbourville, Kentucky, Christopher Abner (Megan) of Corbin, Kentucky, Chad Abner (Kayla) of Barbourville, Kentucky, Haleigh Grubb of Girdler, Kentucky, and Jordan Grubb of Barbourville, Kentucky. Five great grandchildren Dylan Smith, Kylee Smith, Jayden Bays, Nolan Abner, and Rowan Abner also survive Lillie, as does special nephew Marty Abner of Woollum, Kentucky.
The Abner family will receive friends at Hopper Funeral Home on Friday, June 9, 2023, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and Saturday, June 10, 2023, from 11:00 AM until the funeral hour of 1:00 PM. Reverend Charlie Murphy will officiate assisted by Reverend David Swafford. Musical tributes to be performed by Thomas Gary. Interment will follow the funeral service in the Nan Riley Cemetery at Woollum, Knox County, Kentucky. Beloved friends and family members will serve as Casket Bearers.
The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home express sincere condolences to the family and friends of Lillie Smith Abner.
Hopper Funeral Home, Inc., established over 100 years ago, is in charge of servicing all arrangements for Lillie Smith Abner.
