Leona Faye Smith

Leona Faye (Nicely) Smith was born September 2, 1937 in Payson, Oklahoma to William and Beulah (Moffitt) Nicely. She attended Meeker, OK public schools for 12 years before graduating high school as Co-Valedictorian in 1955. Later that year she married her high school sweetheart Gerald Smith on October 22, 1955 and was in a loving union for 55 years at the time of Gerald's death in 2010. Leona was a loyal employee of the Social Security Administration for over 30 years achieving numerous citations and accolades. During her time with SSA she competed in and won several doll dressing contests, which she enjoyed a great deal. Even though she was employed full time she was the perfect homemaker. There was never a single day her children didn't feel the love and friendship that she expressed. That love was also given to several of her children's friends as they were always welcome to a good meal or just to visit. Leona was a devoted and faithful Christian and loved and admired by all that got to know her. Her loving traits shined through and was proven by the blessings she gave her family.

Leona was preceded in death by both parents, husband Gerald, one sister, Verna Lee Kirchmeier, and two young twin brothers.

Survivors include sister: Lois Austin, OKC, brother: Bernard Nicely and wife Rosemary, Weatherford, TX, daughter: Jerilyn Smith of Indianapolis, IN, sons: Kirk Smith and wife Kelly, Todd Smith and wife Suzi and Chris Smith all of Shawnee, OK, grandchildren: Danielle Simpson, Jennings Tennery and husband Greg, Coby Simpson and wife Andrea and Lauren Simpson all of Indianapolis, IN, Whitney Steele and husband Jared, Chad Smith, Sam Smith, Garrett Smith and wife Britney, Michael Smith and Delaney, Emily Smith and Grace Peters all of Shawnee, OK, and Tabbatha Yanes of Haslet, Texas. Leona was also a blessing to 21 great-grandchildren.

 Graveside services will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, September 19, 2024 at Fairview Cemetery.