Simone Jeanine Rice Smedley

Simone Smedley, 76, of Morehead, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024 at her home.

She was born on October 17, 1947 in Olympia, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Joseph and Thelma Pergrem Rice. 

Simone was employed with Kentucky State Government for 47 years; approximately 37 years was with the Morehead Youth Development Center.

She was a graduate of Rowan County High School and the Hazard Area Vocational School.

Simone enjoyed traveling to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Smedley, who passed away on July 3, 2023, her son, John Kevin Smedley, who passed away on October 22, 2021 and one brother, Joseph H. Rice.

Survivors include one brother, Steve Rice and one sister, Sandra Pennington and her husband, Denvil all of Morehead and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Friday, September 20, 2024 in the chapel of the Michael R. Gray Funeral Home in Morehead with Brother Keith McGuire officiating.

Burial will follow in the Rice Cemetery.

Visitation is after 11:00 A.M. Friday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to the Menifee County Animal Shelter, C/O Diana McGuire, 341 Hog Branch Road, Frenchburg, Kentucky 40322.

The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home, 808 Old Flemingsburg Road in Morehead is caring for all arrangements for Simone Smedley.