Terri Powell Smith

Terri Powell Smith, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother (Honey), sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky at the age of 62. Born on September 16, 1963, in Cleveland, Mississippi, Terri lived a life defined by her outgoing spirit and unwavering faith.

Kevin met Terri on January 15, 1989 at Northpark Mall in Ridgeland, MS after Sunday services with his best friend in tow (Richard Baker). Terri worked at Bathtique, where he first saw her in the display window where she smiled at him and he smiled back. Kevin needed a blazer that day so he left the area for a men's store where he purchased a navy blazer. At this time he told his friend he must go back to the store because the young lady had smiled at him and he had the feeling he needed to go back. Once he got back to the store he went in and his pick up line of choice was, "I need a shower curtain." Terri quickly said, "I can help you with that." In the shower curtain section she preceded to show him all the selections available, meanwhile Kevin was paying no attention. After several minutes of looking he finally said, "Would you like to go out sometime?" She quickly said yes and they exchanged phone numbers (land line). The next day on Monday they talked for two hours and decided that Wednesday the 18th was the day to go out. Terri then called her mother who told her, "Are you nuts going with someone you don't know?!" Terri then told her that he was a Baptist preacher's kid, "does that make it better?" To which her mother stated, "They are the worst!" During the conversation on the phone Kevin found out that Terri did not like green peas or pecans so Kevin thought it a great idea to bring those to the first date, but he also had a red rose behind his back for her. They went to a movie, the movie was Tequila Sunrise and then ate dinner at a Chinese establishment. They enjoyed each others company so much they decided to go out again. The next day after their first date Kevin told a co-worker about meeting Terri and their first date. The co-worker (Ed Porter) told Kevin, "That will make a very awesome story to tell your kids." They got engaged 7 months later, married on May 12, 1990. And the rest you can say is history. 

Those who had the pleasure of knowing Terri will remember her for her warm smile and her ability to connect with anyone she met; she truly never met a stranger. Her devotion to her family was evident in all that she did. She took immense pride in her children and grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them. As a loving wife for 35 years to her husband, Kevin Smith, she created countless memories while traveling together. Whether it was sun-soaked beach trips to Florida, Punta Cana, and Mexico, or visiting her oldest son in West Hollywood, Terri embraced adventure with enthusiasm. Her final journey to the Smoky Mountains held a special place in her heart, reflecting her deep appreciation for nature.

A woman of profound faith, Terri found strength and solace in her belief in Jesus. This faith was a cornerstone of her life and guided her in nurturing a community of chosen family and friends who brought her much joy and fulfillment. Terri will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to call her family or friend.

She is survived by her devoted mother figure, Peggy Powell Holsapple; her mother-in-law, Opal W. Smith; her husband, Kevin Smith; her children, G. Allen Quintana-Smith (Hector), Jordan Nicole Perry (Drew), and Austin Franklin Smith (Sydney); as well as her grandchildren, Karen Rose Perry and Baker Stevenson Perry, who is due in December 2025. She also leaves behind her siblings, Tresa Powell Fioranelli, Kim Moody Reed (Scott), Stephanie Powell Hall (Michael), and Natalie Powell Gibson (Troy), along with her sister-in-law, April Alsbury. Her cherished nieces and nephews, Jeffrey, Joseph, and Philip Fioranelli, Jason, Morgan Scott, Denton and Hank Reed, Mica and MJ Hall, Caleb, Noah, and Sarah Ann Gibson, Tiffany and Samantha Alsbury, will carry her memory in their hearts.

Terri was preceded in death by her father, George "Gerald" Powell; her mother, Roselyn Powell Moody; her stepfather, Henry Allen Moody; and her father-in-law, Roy Harold Smith.

The family invites friends and loved ones to honor Terri's memory with a visitation on October 7, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 12:00 PM at First Baptist Church, located at 11721 Main St, Middletown, KY 40243. Terri will be laid to rest at a private ceremony at Floydsburg Cemetery in Crestwood, KY. 

Terri Powell Smith’s legacy of love, faith, and laughter will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Terri's memory may be made to First Baptist Church, Middletown. To leave a memory of Terri or a condolence for the family, please use the "Guest Book" option below.