Kathleen M. Smith was born and lived a life rooted in love, service, and togetherness.  She was the kind of woman who showed up for others not out of obligation, but from the heart.  Loving people came naturally to her, and she gave that love freely, often placing the needs of others before her own.

"Moochie" deeply believed in keeping the family together and never giving up on anyone.  She spent many hours searching for family through ancestry, carrying the past with care and intention. Even in the face of loss, she chose joy, strength, and a smile.  Her heart was wide enough to comfort the hurting, seek out the lost, and welcome everyone with a home-cooked meal.

A natural caregiver, Moochie worked as a nurse for 29 years.  Nursing was more than a professional, it was her calling.  She listened, encouraged, healed, and uplifted… making those in her care feel seen, safe, and loved.

Moochie also knew how to celebrate life. She loved themed parties, gatherings, laughter, food, and connection.  For her, bringing people together was an expression of love. Moochie's legacy is love, lived boldly, given generously, and shared endlessly.  She will be deeply missed, but the love she poured into others will continue to bind her family and community together.  And as she would want, make sure you have a damn good time at the party.

When Moochie spoke of her husband, there was no doubt she had found the one her soul loved.  Their bond was deep, steady, and unmistakable. He stood beside her with unwavering support, embracing her passions, her joy, and even her foolishness with love and grace. For that, we thank him for sharing Kathleen with all of us.  Though her time with us was far too short, we hold onto the hope that love like theirs is never lost and that one day, all who love deeply will be reunited again.

She was preceded in death by her father, Eugene Austin.

Thoe who will cherish her memory are her husband, Hernando "Nano" Smith; her mother, Yvonne Farmer; siblings, Crystal Turlington, Clarissa (Jamaine) Farmer, Devontae Ford, and Phylecia Farmer; nieces and nephews, Carson Ford, Carter  Ford, Daija Foster, Jamar Foster, her twin-Kaitlyn Foster, Maddison Farmer, Miah (PJ) Bryant, and Makinze Farmer; great-nieces and nephews, Renaelyn Bryan, Alxander Bryan, Kairesse Bryan, and Loyve Kearse-LJ; close family and loved ones, Princess Smith, James (Sharee) Smith, Karin Smith, April Smith, Santos Smith, Tamika (Vernon) Glover, Andre, Tiffany, Jamel, Kia, Charlita, and Jerika (Destiny); along with a host of family, friends, and loved ones including those she reconnected with through Ancestry.  She will be lovingly remembered.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Rochelle Scruggs Richardson officiating.