Marinan Million Smiley

Marinan Million Smiley, 83, of Berry, KY, passed away on Monday, February 20, 2023, at Baptist Health in Lexington, KY. Born on January 9, 1940, in Cynthiana, KY, she was a daughter of the late Harry Thompson Million, Sr. and Mary Geneva Chasteen Million. On July 5, 1960, Marinan married her best friend, Ray Smiley, in Jellico, TN, and together they bloomed wherever they were planted with Ray’s work relocations, and made lifelong friends along the way, before settling at the Million family farm where she was raised. Marinan will be remembered as a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. She poured her life into her family and would have done anything for them. From her example, she taught her children to work hard, to accomplish their goals with determination, to treat others with compassion, and that faith and family always come first. “Gran” was just a phone call away for family and friends; whether it was the first call or the 25th call, she answered the phone cheerfully, always patiently offering as much time as the caller needed and sharing her love, humor, and quick wit. Marinan served as a district manager and representative for Coppercraft Guild, headquartered in Boston, MA, for several years, earning numerous awards. While living in Knoxville, TN, she worked almost every day as a substitute teacher and office assistant at Karns High School. In Louisville and Owensboro, Marinan babysat for many families, whose children flourished under her care. She was a member of the Berry Christian Church, where she fixed many breakfast meals, supported her church family in untold ways, and initiated the bereavement meal for church families. Marinan loved all cats: the many she pampered on the farm and her beloved KY Wildcats. She even smiled upon learning of the half-time score of the UK/TN game. In addition to her husband of 62 years, Ray, she is survived by five children: April Axsom (Nick) of Loudon, TN, Mike Smiley (Lisa) of Bowdon, GA, Barry Smiley (Julie) of Winchester, KY, Brent Smiley (Terry) of Knoxville, TN, and Holly Smiley (Patrick) of Powell, TN; 16 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends. She was also preceded in death by two sisters: Bobbye Million and Cheryl Thomas and two brothers: Herbert Million and Harry Million, Jr. A Celebration of Life for Marinan Smiley will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at Woodhead Funeral Home, Berry, with Bro. Keith Miller officiating. Friends and family are invited to gather from10:30 – 1:00 p.m. preceding the service at the funeral home. Interment will take place at the Pythian Grove Cemetery, Berry, with Bro. Chris Hopper officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Berry Christian Church: 320 Main Street, Berry, KY 41003.

Marinan Million Smiley

January 9, 1940 - February 20, 2023