Lorene Denney Smith, age 96 of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away on May 8, 2024. She was born in Windy, KY on March 21, 1928.

Lorene graduated from Wayne County High School Class of 1946. She then went on to Eastern Kentucky University between 1946-1947. She graduated from Austin Peay State University with a BS in Elementary Education, Class of 1966. She also graduated from Austin Peay State University with a MS in Education, Class of 1976. Lorene utilized her degrees by becoming a teacher at the following schools: Wild Kitchen School, Wayne County, KY (1 yr), Howell School, Clarksville, TN (3 yrs.), and 24 years between St. Bethlehem School and Burt School, Clarksville, TN.

Lorene was very active in multiple organizations including: Past Worthy Matron Eastern Star, Lioness Club, Kappa Delta Pi education honor society, Red Hat Society, Past President of St. Bethlehem Civitan Club. She was also an active member of her church for many years, always keeping Jesus close to her heart. She was adventurous and enjoyed traveling, trying new things, witnessing beautiful scenery, and sneaking a bite of chocolate after meals. Though her love of chocolate was well-known, her family was her true pride and joy. Life as a Mother, and then Granny (and Great-Granny) filled her heart and she was thrilled to show off pictures and stories of each and every loved one. Her generosity spread far as she raised her family to follow her footsteps in both kindness and charity. She was a skilled homemaker and avid reader, both passions she shared with her family. She loved and kept irises, African violets, and other blooms and had a special place in her heart for dogs. She was the kind of person you wanted to meet and wished you could be humble, kindhearted, and genuine. Sometimes the extraordinary can be found in everyday life - Lorene was that rare gem and will be sorely missed.

She is preceded in death by parents, William Vasco Denney (1959) & Etta May Denney (1987); brother, Edwin Riley Denney (2003); husband, Marvin Edward Smith (2007).

Lorene is survived by, sons, Gerald Edward (Linda) Smith & Rickey Martin (Valerie) Smith; grandchildren, Kayce (Charles) Westfall, Erick (Yanaisse) Smith, Lindsay (Ryan) Kain, Matthew Smith & Michelle (Allen) McCurdy; great-grandchildren, Savannah, Charlotte, Kieran, & Isariah; brother, Grider Vasco Denney; "bonus grandchild" Allen Daniel; dear friend, Madison Helton.

The family appreciates the endless dedication of those who cared for Lorene during challenging times: Rickey, Valerie, and Matthew Smith, Gerald and Linda Smith, Madison Helton, Brooke Ledgewood, the Covenant Home Care & Hospice of Knoxville, TN, and all others who gave their time and love.

The family will receive friends from 12:00pm-2:00pm on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at Hicks-Vaughn Funeral Home. A graveside will follow at Elk Spring Cemetery for close friends and family, weather permitting.

In honor of Lorene, please support the Children's Burn Foundation (childburn.org) or the American Cancer Society (cancer.org).