Kay Frances Smith was born to the union of Willie and Ruth Smith on November 23, 1938 in East St. Louis, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents, her children, William, Michael, Carmella, Cecil, and Dawayne Smith; her grandson, Edward Smith. Kay graduated from Venice Lincoln Technical School and worked diligently at the Salvation Army.

On Thursday, November 16, 2017. Kay was called to rest. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Olivia Herndon, Rhonda Smith, and Ramona Sykes; her sisters, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, Joyce Pawnell and Shirley Luckey; nineteen grandchildren, thirty three great grandchildren.