Esther Irene Smith Banks born October 22, 1935 departed from this earthly home to her heavenly home on Monday June 20, 2022. Irene was a true saint of God. She always gave the Lord credit for everything she accomplished in her lifetime.  She joined the Church of God and was baptized at the age of 10 years old.  She loved playing the piano and singing for her Lord and Savior.  She was a member of the Maple Street Church of God for 34 years.  Irene was also a co-owner of the J and R Supermarket for over 5 years and also offered in-home child daycare for countless families over the years in Perry County.

Esther Irene is preceded in death by her first husband Thomas Vernon Smith, her two sons Jerry Wayne and Terry Vernon Smith and her second husband Donald Blaine Banks, her step daughter Donna Carol Gregory, her parents James and Rebecca Dixon, and all 12 of her brothers and sisters.

Irene leaves the following to cherish her memories: Sons Randyl and Yvonne Smith of Lothair, Michael Lynn and Nancy Smith of Big Creek Daughter-n-Law Donna Lynne Smith of Airport Gardens; Grandchildren, June and Daniel Madden, Darren and Madison Smith, Alanah Hall, Lane (Natasha) Gregory, and David Gregory; Great grandchildren Keaton and Kayah Madden, Rylan and Jayden Gregory.

Irene was the youngest and the last of thirteen children of James and Rebecca Dixon. Irene loved spending time with all her family including all her surviving nieces and nephews:  Anna, Betty, Clifford, Billy, Jim, Jean, Mary, Bobby, Peggy, Faye, David, Danny, Ronnie, Goldie, and Scott.

Not only did Irene have a special bond with all her nieces and nephews, Irene also leaves a host of family, friends and church family who she cherished greatly.

Funeral Services for Esther Irene Smith Banks will be conducted on Thursday June 23, 2022 at 4:00 P.M. at the Engle-Bowling Funeral Home with Daniel Madden, Mike Smith, Merill David Collins and Sue Woodruff officiating. The Interment will follow in the Riverside Cemetery located at Hazard, Kentucky. The Visitation will be at the Engle-Bowling Funeral Home on Thursday from 1:00 P.M. till 4:00 P.M.