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MELISSA SMILEY
Melissa Anne Smiley, 54, of Cynthiana, passed away Monday, April 10, 2023 at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington.
Born June 22, 1968 in Harrison County, she was a longtime preschool teacher, having taught at Community Action Council and Toyota’s preschool program. Melissa loved attending Milford Christian Church and spending time with her grandbabies.
Preceding her in death were her father, William Lowell Smiley; a son, Raymond Lowell “Lil Ray” Hicks; and a niece Mallory Brooke Fryman.
She is survived by her mother, Jeannie Whalen Smiley; three children: Jared Wayne Hicks, Bridget Louise (Dakota) Rice, and Brooke Jeanine (Camron) Schalch; a brother, James (Tammy) Knight; three sisters: Trudi (Edward) Rose, Jessica (Gayle “Bimbe”) Beckett, and Lisa (Darryl) Gaunce; and six grandchildren: Kanaan, Kinlee and Klayton Rice, Brantley and Waylon Earlywine, and Aubrey Schalch; along with several nieces and nephews.
Visitation was held Wednesday, April 12, 2023 and the funeral service followed on Thursday at Drake-Whaley-McCarty Funeral Home by Michael Cannon. Casketbearers will be Luke Beckett, Zach Beckett, Chris Cooper, James Knight, Dakota Rice, Amos Rose, Jacob Rose and Jaye Whalen. Honorary bearers will be Jessica Beckett, Lisa Gaunce, Tammy Knight, Dr. Brian Mulberry, Bridget Rice, Trudi Rose, Brooke Schalch and her grandchildren.
Interment took place at Battle Grove Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the Gideon’s International-Cynthiana Camp.
Condolences and video tribute are available at www.drakefuneralhome.com.