Evelyn Kaye Riley Smith, 69, of Paris, Tennessee, died Tuesday, August 30, 2022, at her daughter’s residence.
Evelyn was born Monday, October 13, 1952, in Hazard, Kentucky, to the late Melvin Riley and the late Lillie Noble Riley. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by one sister: Freda Riley Standifer; and two brothers: Melvin Riley, Jr., and Eddie Riley.
She was a homemaker and member of Bridge of Hope Church in Paris. Evelyn worked side-by-side with her husband in ministry for over 20 years, serving as church secretary, teacher, and ladies group leader. She most enjoyed the annual Christmas play and food ministry at the church. She loved to read, watch hummingbirds, enjoyed flowers, and loved collecting angels..
She was married Friday, March 8, 1974, to her husband of 48 years: Rev. John R. Smith, who survives, of Paris.
Along with her husband, she is also survived by one daughter: Jenny (Trey) Wolfe of Bartlett, Tennessee; one son: John R. (Amanda) Smith, II of White House, Tennessee; her twin sister: Judy Riley (Jim) White, of Prestonsburg, Kentucky; another sister: Debby Riley, of Nicholasville, Kentucky; three brothers: Bobby (Carmen) Riley, of Newport, Tennessee, Randy Riley, of Hazard, Kentucky, and Johnny Paul (Angie) Riley, of Corbin, Kentucky; and four grandchildren: Natalee Sienna Campbell, Brylee Noelle Campbell, Raylee Evelyn Smith, and Levi Jameson Wolfe.
Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap Street/PO Box 788, Paris, Tennessee, 38242. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 6, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Bridge of Hope Church, 1575 Highway 641 S, Paris, Tennessee, 38242, and continue Wednesday, September 7, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. –11:00 a.m. at Bridge of Hope Church. The funeral service will be Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Bridge of Hope Church with Rev. Glenn Burks officiating.
Serving as pallbearers will be ministers of the gospel: Eric Kelleher, Ronnie Sanders, Frank Criswell, Eugene Whitt, Jeremy Poole, and Jerrod Savage.
Burial will be in Memorial Cemetery in Paris, Tennessee.