Connie Victoria Smith, beloved mother, sister, daughter, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with the Lord on September 10, 2026, at the age of 85, leaving behind a beautiful lifetime of memories for her heartbroken family.

Connie was born on March 16, 1941 to Jack and Layoma Stroud of Harlan, Kentucky. After graduating high school, Connie married and chose to start a family.  She moved with her family to Chicago, Illinois and began working at Brach's Candy Company.  Connie loved being a mother. Even though she was not a wealthy woman, Connie worked hard to take care of her three children.  She had a true gift and passion for sewing, and she used that gift to craft beautiful clothing for her children.  They attended school in style, with her daughter dressed in skirts and matching neck chokers handmade with love by her mom.  She returned to her hometown in 1973, eventually opening the well-known Star Video and Tan in 1983, which stayed open with her working into her eighties until her passing. Always the savvy businesswoman, Connie reinvented the fabric of the store to keep up with the changing needs of her beloved customers, changing the store from videotape rentals and tanning booths to books and consignment clothing.

Connie loved reading her romance novels, taking care of her precious parakeets and goldfish, growing flowers in her yard and home, and keeping active at work.  If you ran into her, she would likely be clad in a sweatshirt that she turned into a cardigan, her angel broach, jeans, and her bright white sneakers.  She did not know a stranger, and most of her customers were her friends that she lovingly called "honey bunny'.  Her kindness was never limited to those closest to her; she gave freely of herself to anyone she met.  She cared for her mother in her final years; she and Layoma were inseparable.  Even as Connie's own health started to falter, she always kept her faith in God, and she would place her fate firmly in His hands.  She loved life and was grateful for every day on this earth.

Connie brought joy, love, and compassion to everyone she met. To her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends, she was a blessing beyond words, an angel walking on this earth. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel loved, valued, and cared for.  She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and hard work.

Connie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Smith; her parents, Layoma and Jack Stroud; her siblings, Jimmy Stroud, Don Stroud, Jan Stroud, and Bob Stroud; her grandchildren, Maverick "Mave" Turner and Lance Wynn; and great-grandchild, Adaline Turner.

She leaves behind a loving family who will carry her memory and the lessons she taught them for generations to come. She is survived by her daughter, Carla (Carl) and sons Donald and Jonathan as well as her grandchildren Chastan, Christin (Thomas), Carl, Elizabeth (Preston), Donald, Adam, Donna, Wyatt, and Liam and great-grandchildren Weston, Stella, Liam, Lily, Catherine, Layla, Enoch, Josiah, Noah, Jonah, Abigail, Camden, Gray, and Halle.

Connie's time on this earth was far too short for those who loved her, but the love she gave during her 85 years will endure forever. Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends, and in every person whose life she touched.

Her family has organized a memorial service, which will be held at Loyall Funeral Home Monday, September 14, 2026.  Visitation will be from 11am to 1pm.  Funeral will directly follow at 1pm, followed by interment at Resthaven Cemetery.

Loyall Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Connie V. Smith.