Dawn Marie Smith

Dawn Marie Smith, a woman of immense grace and the "most precious person" to those who knew her, passed away peacefully on the morning of Sunday, May 10, 2026. After a courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer, she left this world surrounded by the love of the family she spent her life building and nurturing.

Born on February 17, 1954, Dawn was the daughter of the late Elmo and Charlotte Hendrix. On February 28, 1975, she began a beautiful 51-year journey of marriage with her husband, Jerry Smith. Together, they built a foundation of love and gratitude that served as the heartbeat of their home. Dawn was preceded in death by her beloved parents.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Jerry Smith. Her legacy of love continues through her daughter Elisha King and her husband Micky, and their sons Andy and Joey; and her daughter Amanda Lafferty and her husband Aaron, and their children Zac, Lucas, Taylor, Austin, and Kade. She is also survived by her sisters, Gayle Smith and her husband Kirk, and Kim Havlik and her husband Steve, as well as several nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart.

Affectionately known as "Gigi" to her grandchildren, Dawn found her greatest joy in her family. She loved her grandchildren beyond measure, and they were a source of immense pride that she carried with her always. To all of them, she was a constant source of warmth, light, and unconditional love.

Dawn was a special soul who touched many lives, and her family is deeply moved by the outpouring of prayers, well-wishes, and love shared over the past few months. She valued her friends and community as much as they valued her, and her presence will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you plant flowers in a place of your choice in her memory. A celebration of life will be held in the near future to honor Dawn’s remarkable spirit.