Ms. Nella Fern Napier, 57, of Richmond, passed away Monday, September 20, 2021 at Baptist Health Richmond.  She was the daughter of the late Cecil and Bertha Gamble Smith born on December 13, 1963 at Cannon.

Nella was a former home health nurse aide and a member of the Horn Branch Baptist Church.  She enjoyed watching movies, talking about her grandchildren and spending time with them.  She also loved talking about the “good old times” with her family.

She united in marriage with Greg Napier and to this union two children were born.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Leroy Smith and a beloved nephew, Joshua Scott Smith.

Survivors include her children, Jennifer Mills and husband, Josh, of London and Gregory Napier of Corbin; four sisters, Loretta Mills and husband, Shelby, of Woollum, Prudie Smith and husband, Elvis, of Gibbs, Carolyn Sizemore of London and Betty Mills and husband, Ricky, of Cannon; two brothers, Glen Dale Smith and wife, Rebecca, and Hersel Smith and wife, Katherine, all of Woollum; three treasured grandchildren, Kirsten and Madison Fuson and Khloe Mills; among other loved ones and dear friends.

Her funeral service will be conducted in the chapel of the Knox Funeral Home Sunday, September 26 at 11 A.M. with Rev. Rick Broughton and Rev. Johnny Shell officiating.  She will be laid to rest in the Smith Family Cemetery at Burton Branch.

Casket bearers will be Casey Smith, Derick Smith, Jacob Mills, Eric Smith, Jared Sizemore and Jonathan Mills.

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

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Madison Health and Rehabilitation Center and Baptist Health Richmond.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Knox Funeral Home.

Send a condolence to the family of NELLA FERN NAPIER.

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.

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