Lena Frances Denham Smith, 94, of Louisville, passed away peacefully Sunday, November 8, 2026.
She was born in Vanceburg on June 29, 1932, a daughter of the late Thomas Gayle and Elizabeth Love Denham.
Lena graduated from Lewis County High School in 1950. She attended Eastern Kentucky University and worked as a state social worker until she returned in 1961 to complete her undergraduate studies in library science at Morehead State University.
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 Spalding University.
Lena was a member of Crescent Hill United Methodist Church. She volunteered at the Crane House and, after retiring, taught English for a term at a university in Shantung Province, China. Lena also mentored medical fellowship students from China.
Lena was a voracious reader. She kept up with the news and read the newspaper every day. She would finish each day’s crossword puzzle in pen before even finishing her cup of coffee. Lena and her siblings were avid travelers, and she loved spending time with them.
Survivors include her daughter, Anne Bryant Roberts, and two grandchildren, Leah Elizabeth Bryant (David John French) and Warner Denham Bryant (Ashley Morgan Marty).
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, David Russel Smith, and two sons-in-law, Gary H. Bryant and Wm F. Roberts, Sr.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to PBS, NPR, or a local public library. Or buy books, read books, and share books.
Newcomer Funeral Home in Louisville is caring for arrangements.
