Dennice Lee (Dowell) Smith, age 75 of Hardinsburg, KY, died Wednesday, July 19,2023 at Baptist Health Hardin in Elizabethtown, KY. The eldest of seven, Dennice was born January 12, 1948 in Hardinsburg to Eler Roberts Dowell and the late Jeff Dowell, Jr. In addition to her father, she was in death by her brother, Alton Dowell and great grandson Malakai Leon.
Dennice is survived by: daughter: Sheila Clay (Jeff) of Ocala, FL; sons Jamie Smith (Myra) of Ocala, and Jacob Smith (Rebecca) of Los Angeles, CA
Eight grandchildren: Summer Clay, Taci Clay, Ry Hinton (John), Nelson Leon, Javen Smith, Tajulian Smith, Darian Dienno and Kalia Dienno
Two great grandchildren: Lennon Sinclair and Xiomara Leon
Mother: Eler Dowell
Five sisters: Mary Maxine Smith of St. Augustine, FL; Phyllis J. Austermiller (Bill) of Radcliff, KY; Louis Dowell and Barbara Dowell of Hardinsburg, KY, Lori Helms (Tom) of Jeffersonville, IN
Many nieces and nephews
Dennice earned a Master of Science in Communication Disorders and a Bachelor’s Degree in the same discipline from Western Kentucky University and held a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology. She was a retired Speech-Language Pathologist working within the Breckinridge County school system, including Irvington Elementary and Custer Elementary, where she was known lovingly by her students and co-workers as “Miss Dee”. In 2011, she was recognized by Cambridge Who’s Who’s for “showing dedication, leadership, and excellence in speech pathology” and was an affiliate of the Kentucky Speech-Language Hearing Association and the American Speech-Language Hearing Association. She was also honored with the Kentucky Colonel award for volunteering with academic clubs of Custer Elementary School.
Dennice, known for her bright smile, ready laugh, abundant energy, and love of music, had a special place in her heart for Bluegrass music. She was a member of, and served as Public Relations Director for, the Breckinridge Bluegrass Music Association (BBMA), and was affiliated with the International Bluegrass Music Association. For many years she could be found at local weekly BBMA “jams” or helping raise money for Hospraus of Central KY at Bluegrass Music fundraisers held in the area. Born into a family of self-taught musicians, she enjoyed singing and playing guitar with her sisters and other family members whenever she got the chance. Another love close to her heart was storytelling, and she was a affiliate of the Kentucky Storytelling Association.
Dennice was a faithful and dedicated member of the local Irvington Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, regularly engaging in a Bible education ministry.
Visitation will be held at Trent-Dowell Funeral Home in Hardinsburg, KY on Wednesday, July 26, 1-3 PM, followed by a Memorial Service from 3-4 PM. All times are central. Tommy Smith, an Elder with the Lincoln Trail Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses will be officiating.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hosparus Health Central Kentucky 105 Diecks Drive Elizabethtown, KY 42701, or online at HosparusHealth. org.