Gwen Hurley Smith, 78, of Van, WV went home to be with the Lord on Friday, August 21, 2026 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born July 18, 1948 to Clarence and Opal Hurley.

A 1966 graduate of Van High School, attended Capital City Commercial College earning a clerical degree and attended SWCTC. She retired in 2009 from Boone County Health Department with 36 years of service. After retirement, Gwen volunteered her time at Van Elementary where she was the librarian for ten years.

She was a member of Freedie Freewill Baptist Church in Van where she was a youth Sunday School teacher, VBS leader and was church treasurer. Some of her most loved hobbies included scrapbooking, puzzles, sewing, cooking, reading and spending time with her grandchildren.

Gwen was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Roy “Speedie” Smith; parents Clarence and Opal Hurley; brother Jack Hurley; and sisters Camille Bias and Gloria Yeager.

She is survived by her daughters, Mary (Kevin) McCarty and Amanda (Keith) Hoosier; grandchildren, Jarod (Cloey) Puckett, Jordan Puckett, Jaylen Gibson (Trent), Jax McCarty and Seth Hoosier; one great grandson, Reed Puckett; sister, Barbara (Jerry) Sutphin; special great granddaughter, Rae Toney; many nephews, great nieces and nephews; and a host of loving friends.

Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at Handley Funeral Home in Danville, WV with Rev. Steve Burns and Rev. Phil Rowe officiating. Burial will follow in Family Gardens on Low Gap Road, Danville, WV.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.