Merrilyn L. Smith-Governor, 87, of Henderson, Kentucky, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at St. Anthony's Hospice Lucy Smith King Care Center after a brief cancer battle.

She was an active member of First Baptist Church where she participated in the Senior Adult and Music Programs.  Merrilyn also shared her musical talent with a variety of area churches for several years.  She retired from Methodist Hospital where she served as Director of Nursing Education for most of her career.

She was preceded in death by her first husband of 49 years, Jimmie G. Smith, who died October 2003; and her son, Mark Allan Smith, who died June 2019.

Survivors include her husband, Neil Governor; two daughters, DeAnn Payne and her husband, Tim, and Shelly Schmelzer and her husband, Steve, both of Henderson, Kentucky; grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

There will be a private family funeral.  The Reverend Alan Chamness and the Reverend Ron Osborne will officiate.  Private family burial will be in Fernwood Cemetery.

There will be no visitation.

Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com .