Shirley J. Smith

88, of Camden, went to be with the Lord, Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

She was born April 24, 1938, in Charleston, West Virginia, to the late John T. and Alice S. (Buzzard) Bowman.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her first husband, Paul Smith and second husband, Arley Holcomb; and sons, David Wayne and Kenneth Dale Smith.

She is survived by her sister, Carolyn Willis; niece, Christy (Gary) Schulz; great nephew, Josh (Krystal) Napier; and special friends, Dorenda Lohrey, Chuck and Missy Moore, and Cindy Johnson.

She spent her working years at Miami University, where she retired as a housekeeping manager. Known for her dedication and her careful attention to detail, she took pride in her work and in the people she worked alongside.

Shirley’s heart belonged to the farm. She loved the open fields, the changing seasons, and the quiet beauty of a sunrise over the land she called home. For Shirley, there was no better view than the one right outside her own door, though she never stopped delighting in the sights beyond it.

Together with her late husband, Arley, she traveled and saw more of the country than she might ever have imagined as a girl. They wandered through the quiet roads of Amish Country, marveled at the wide-open landscapes of the western United States, and stood in awe of the Badlands of South Dakota. She treasured those journeys and the memories made side by side with Arley, and she could recall them with a twinkle in her eye long after the miles were behind them.

A faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Hamilton, Shirley found strength and comfort in her faith and in the fellowship of her church family.

Whenever she was able, Shirley could be found outdoors, tending her flowers. She had a gift for coaxing color from the soil, and her gardens brought joy to everyone who passed by. Whether she was planting, weeding, or simply sitting among the blooms, she was happiest with her hands in the dirt and the sun on her face.

A visitation will be held Monday, October 19 from 10AM to 12PM at the BALES FUNERAL HOME, Camden. The funeral service will begin at 12PM with Pastor Ty Choate officiating. Shirley will be laid to rest beside her beloved Arley, at Fairmount Cemetery, Camden.

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