Mrs. Faye Merida, 71,  of Barbourville, passed away Tuesday afternoon, April 23, 2024 at the Barbourville Health and Rehabilitation Center after a hard fought battle with cancer.  She was the daughter of the late Richard and Laura Ellen Riley Smith born on June 26, 1952 at Fount.

Faye was a lifelong Christian of the Baptist faith, a long-time caretaker of numerous patients, a beautiful singer, a skilled seamstress and a phenomenal cook.  She was witty, brave, strong-willed and loved to laugh.  Most of all she deeply loved and fiercely protected and sacrificed for her family.  She will be profoundly missed.

On September 11, 1971, she united in marriage with Leaman Merida and to this union two children were born.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Sam Smith.

Faye leaves behind her loving husband of over 52 years, Leaman Merida; a son, Rodney Merida; a daughter, Tonya Jackson and husband, Ronnie; two sisters, Janice Warren and Walt and Georgia Smith and husband, Eddie; treasured grandchildren, Laura Fayth Disney and husband, Logan, Ronnie Austin Jackson and Erika, Rodney Hart Merida and Dakota Merida; her first two great grandsons expected to arrive in the fall, Lincoln Disney and Caleb Austin Jackson; a sister-in-law, Peggy Smith; among other beloved family members and friends.

Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Sunday, April 28 at 2 P.M. with Rev. Tip Smith and Rev. Owen Smith officiating.  She will be laid to rest in the Nan Riley Cemetery.

Casket bearers will be her grandsons and nephews.

Her family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at the Barbourville Health and Rehabilitation Center for the love and care they have shown Faye.

Friends may visit at the funeral home Saturday between 6 and 9 P.M. and Sunday prior to the funeral hour.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.

Send a condolence to the family of FAYE MERIDA.

For questions about our obituaries or condolence service, please contact us. You may reach us via e-mail at knoxfuneralhome@barbourville.com. Reach us via phone by calling 606-546-2222.