Lena Frances Denham Smith

Lena Frances Denham Smith, 94, of Louisville, Kentucky, died peacefully on November 8,2026. Lena was born June 29,1932 in Vanceburg, Kentucky to Thomas Gayle and Elizabeth Love Denham. Lena graduated from Lewis County High School in 1950. She attended Eastern Kentucky University and worked as State Social worker, until she returned to complete her undergraduate studies in 1961, at Morehead State University in Library Science. 

Lena completed her Master's Degree in Library Science at the University of Kentucky. A lifelong educator, she retired as a librarian from the Jefferson County Public School system. She also taught library science at Spaulding University. Lena was a member of the Crescent Hill United Methodist Church. She volunteered at the Crane House and after retiring, taught English for a term at a university in the Shantung province of China. Lena also mentored medical fellowship students from China. Lena was a voracious reader. She was current on news and read the paper every day. She would finish each day's crossword in pen before even finishing her cup of coffee. Lena and her siblings were avid travelers. She loved spending time with them. 

Lena is preceded in death by parents (Thomas Gayle and Elizabeth Love Denham), son (David Russel Smith), son-in-laws (Gary H. Bryant and Wm F. Roberts, Sr.). She is survived by her daughter Anne Bryant Roberts and grandchildren Leah Elizabeth Bryant (David John French) and Warner Denham Bryant (Ashley Morgan Marty).In lieu of flowers, please donate to: PBS, NPR, or the local Public Library. Or buy books, read books, and share books.

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