Kathryn Layne (Chandler) Smith

Mrs. Kathryn Layne Smith, 76, passed away surrounded by her family on Friday, January 15, 2021 at her son’s home in Franktown, VA. Born February 21, 1944 in Cashville, VA, she was the daughter of the late Forest Douglas Chandler and Esther Ayres Chandler.

Raised in a Christian home, Kathryn remained devoted to her faith throughout her life. She was a longtime member of Broadway Baptist Church, where she was often first to volunteer for church events and was passionate about her involvement in the Women’s Missionary Union. With the sweetest of smiles and the kindest of souls, Kathryn’s presence had a way of making others feel at ease. Her gift suited her well in her career as a longtime certified nursing assistant, having worked at both Accomack County Nursing Home and the Hermitage on the Eastern Shore.   

In addition to her parents, Kathryn was predeceased by her husband and father of her children, Otho Eugene “Gene” Layne, in 2003, and husband, Jack W. Smith, in 2020. She was also predeceased by her sisters, Dorothy C. Hall and Mary C. Drummond and brother, Charles D. Chandler.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving children, Wanda L. Doughty of Onancock, VA and Douglas E. Layne and his wife, Mimi, of Franktown; stepchildren, Kimberly Patton and her husband, David of Fort Valley, VA, Jack W. Smith, Jr. and his wife, Anna, of Quinby, VA, and Amory Musselwhite and her husband, Ray, of Fayetteville, NC; brother, Leo P. Chandler; grandchildren, J.P. Doughty (Jessica), Gina Doughty (Ron Yorko), Chase Byrd (Jared), Bobby and Caleigh Freschi, and Justin McKinney (Erin Isdell); great-granddaughters, Charlotte G. Doughty and Olivia H. Yorko; step grandchildren, Abigail and Isabel Musselwhite and Chauncey and Aubrey Smith; as well as several nieces and nephews and their families.

Funeral services will be conducted from the graveside at the Mount Holly Cemetery on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 3:00 p.m., with The Reverends Russell Fail and Robert Smoot officiating. In light of the ongoing pandemic, masks and social distancing will be required for all who attend the service.

Contributions in Kathryn’s memory may be made to Broadway Baptist Church, 15341 Broadway Road, Onancock, VA 23417.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.

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