Shirley M Smith

Shirley M. (Day) Smith, 89, of Evansville, passed away peacefully Wednesday, February 24, 2016. She spent her final days in comfort, surrounded by family and friends and under the care of the staff at Charlier Hospice. She was born April 18, 1926, in Chicago, IL, to the late Benjamin and Elsie K. (Stern) Dempsey. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Evansville Coast Guard Auxiliary, White Shrine, and Shrine Hillbilly Clan #79. From 1985-1986, she held the office of Queen with the Daughters of the Nile. She was a very active lady who loved biking, dancing, yoga, golf, theatre and singing. She was a thespian and vocalist. She was a devoted mother and grandmother and was always there for her children. After the death of her first husband, Shirley found love again at age 82 when she met Richard Smith, whom she cherished up until her passing. Shirley was preceded in death by her first husband, Walter Day; brothers, William, Joseph, and Earle Dempsey; and sister, Eleanor Stucke. She is survived by her husband Richard Smith; children, David Day, Darrell (Debbie) Day and Cheryl (Ronald) Higgs; step-daughter, Dee (Paul) Whitney; grandchildren, Heather Day, Shannon Krack, Scott Day, Stacy Miller, Wendi Nelson, Daniel Day, Derek Day, and Dianna Gibson; 13 great-grandchildren; two great, great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Missy. Funeral services will be held 10:00 AM Monday, February 29, 2016, at Alexander West Chapel, officiated by Pastor Paul Seburg, with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Sunday from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home, with a Nile service held at 6:00 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital Staff Building Fund or to VNA Plus Charlier Hospice Center. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderWestChapel.com.