Ms. Karen Sue Smith

December 31, 1962 - January 10, 2019

Duffield, Virginia Karen Sue Smith 56, passed into the arms of her heavenly father on Thursday (Jan 10, 2019). She was the daughter of the Late, Clyde and Opal Smith. Her late paternal grandparents Henderson and Jean Smith, and maternal grandparents Mary Belle Clark and Johnny all of Big Stone Gap. Karen Graduated high school from Dryden High, she was the Valedictorian. She then went to Clinch Valley where she obtained her bachelors degree, in Education. She was also Valedictorian at Clinch Valley. She taught Sunday school at New Hope Assembly church for 35 years. She was a devoted member, at New Hope Assembly. She worked for MSHA; Mine safety and health administration , in Norton Virginia. She was an office assistant for the ventilation division. She was also involved in children’s ministries, and sponsored children in Belize. She had a wonderful soul, and will be sorely missed by her work family, her church family, and all her relatives. She is survived by; brother Gerald and wife Judy of Big Stone Gap, Patricia Akers of Crackers Neck, nephews; David Smith of St. Paul VA, Micheal Smith of North Pale AK, Richard Akers of Big Stone Gap, niece Crystal Stafford of Duffield, great nephews Ezra and Jase Stafford of Duffield, aunts Nadine and Wayne Maness, Joyce Purvis all of Big Stone Gap, uncle Jack of Weber City, best friend Janet Jones of Big Stone Gap. The family wishes to convey their appreciation to Pastor Rick Whitten and Mary Ellen, for all of their loving care and kindness, shown to Karen throughout her life. The family will receive friends on Sunday, Jan. 13, at Holding Funeral Home, Big Stone Gap from 5:00 p.m.- 7:00. The funeral service will be conducted following in the funeral home chapel with pastor Rick Whitten officiating. Special Music will be provided by Glimpse of Grace. Graveside services will be held on Monday, Jan 14 at 2:00 p.m. in Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. Those Wishing to attend the graveside are asked to meet at the funeral home by 1:30 to go in procession to the cemetery. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. You may go online to view the obituary, leave the family a condolence or sign the guest registry at www.holdingfuneralhome.com Holding Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Karen Sue Smith.