Audrey Jenkins Smith

Audrey Jenkins Smith, wife of the late Charles Irvine Smith, departed this life on March 12,
2022, in San Antonio, Texas. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Luvonia (Vaughn)
Jenkins. She leaves to mourn her two sons, Gerald Edward Smith, San Antonio, TX; and Virgil
Irvine Smith, Lexington, KY; stepdaughter, Donna Lee Davis, Dayton, OH; her sister, Sallie
Madison, her sister-in-law, Geroline Mynatt, Cincinnati, OH, four grandchildren, six greatgrandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews’ other relatives and friends. Her daughter, Leadonia
“Dee Dee” Jenkins, preceded her in death.
Audrey was born November 1, 1933, in Lexington, KY. She was a faithful member of the East
2nd Street Christian Church, Lexington, KY for many years and served as a Deaconess, Choir
Member, Christian Women’s Fellowship, Kitchen Committee, and supported various other
activities within the church until she could no longer attend due to health.
She began her career in retail sales and then moved on to help her husband with catering in
several restaurants which included the following organizations: The Lafayette Hotel, Phoenix
Hotel, and Red Mile (America Restaurant Association better known as ARA), Lexington, KY.
Audrey transitioned into the retail sales industry working for Shillito’s department store,
Lexington, KY beginning in 1973 which was acquired by Lazarus and became Shillito-Lazarus
until 2005. Macy’s then acquired the Federated Department Store chain, which is still in
operation today at Fayette Mall, Lexington, KY. Audrey retired from Macy’s in 2006 and then
worked seasonally with Keenland Turf Catering Company at Keeneland in Lexington, KY.
Audrey will be remembered as a devoted loving mother, strong in her faith, her humor, and her
beautiful smile. She was loved and respected by her loving family and friends and all who knew
her. “Mom, you will be missed. I’ve done all I could do. I will take care of Virgil. You’re in
God’s hands now; Rest now, rest in peace.” – Gerald

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