There are people who pass through this world and leave it a little warmer than they found it. And then there was Lisa Smith Cleary. She didn’t just warm the room — she made every person in it feel like they were the most important one there. On March 24, 2026, that warmth left us when Lisa passed away suddenly, but peacefully at the age of 67.
Lisa was born on October 13, 1958, in Harlan, Kentucky — a place she carried with her in her warmth, her directness, and her unshakeable roots. She was the daughter of Helen Holsclaw Smith and Donald Cawood Smith, two people whose love would be tested early and would hold. When Lisa was just eleven years old, she was diagnosed with cancer. The road that followed was long and hard, filled with hospital wards and uncertainty. Every single morning during her recovery, her mother would wait outside the hospital for visiting hours to start, sending her acorns by way of the charge nurse — a small, quiet act of devotion that said everything: I am here. You are not alone. Lisa survived. She emerged as an above-the-knee amputee — and with a purpose so clear it would shape every decade that followed.
Lisa attended the University of Kentucky where she graduated with a degree in physical therapy. She knew what it felt like to face the long road to recovery, and she spent her career walking that road alongside others. Lisa felt a particular devotion to amputees who needed not only therapy, but someone who understood. It was in physical therapy school on rotation in New Orleans that she met the man with whom she would spend her life: Walter Kim Cleary. Their love story began there, warm and full, and eventually carried her home to Kentucky, where together they built their physical therapy practice — a practice they ran with equal parts warmth and skill.
Faith was not something Lisa kept quietly. It was the air she breathed, the current running through everything she did. As a devoted member of Central Baptist Church, she led Sunday school, Awana groups, and women’s and children’s ministries — not out of obligation, but because she loved Jesus. She believed in the power of prayer the way other people believe in gravity: completely, and without needing to explain it. She prayed for her family, her community, her patients, and probably for the stranger she’d just met in the grocery store, because Lisa was always paying attention to the people around her. She always noticed who needed lifting.
Her home was a place people wanted to be. The table was always set. The kitchen always smelled like something wonderful. Lisa’s homemade meals were love made edible. She baked for every school occasion, remembered each child’s favorite treats, and the moment a friend was going through something hard, Lisa was already in the kitchen. You didn’t have to ask. She just showed up, casserole in hand, ready to sit with you for as long as you needed. Her cooking was a love language, fluent and generous and entirely her own.
Her grandchildren called her Lovie. It wasn’t just a name — it was a recognition. They understood something about her, the way children always know who the safe people are. To be in Lovie’s arms was to be completely and unconditionally held. She was the embodiment of love — not the polished, reserved kind, but the loud, involved, showing-up-at-every-game, baking-your-birthday-cake-from-scratch, praying-for-you-by-name kind. The kind that leaves a mark.
Lisa never met a stranger. She loved deeply and without reservation. She had a gift — rare and irreplaceable — for making every person she encountered feel truly seen. Not just noticed, but seen: known, valued, welcome. People left her presence standing a little taller. They walked away thinking the world was a better place. It was — because she was in it.
Lisa is survived by her husband and their three children: Ryan Kim Cleary (Laura) of Lookout Mountain, Tennessee, Laura Elizabeth Sati-Cleary (Girish) of Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, and Sarah Cleary Nelson (August) of Nashville, Tennessee. In addition, she is survived by four grandchildren: Caroline, Catherine, George, and Claudia. She is also survived by her brother, Cawood Gregory Smith (Sherrie).
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 28 at 1:00 PM at the Central Baptist Church, 201 W 4th Street, Corbin, Kentucky, with Josh Pollitt officiating. Family will receive friends from 10:30 AM until 1:00 PM at the church prior to the service. Burial will follow in Cumberland Memorial Gardens at Lily, Kentucky.
In lieu of flowers, those inclined may consider donating to the Manger Ministry at Central Baptist Church, Corbin, Kentucky.
25 Comments
Scott and Cindy Crook
Posted at 11:21h, 26 MarchWhat a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady.
Our hearts go out to Kim, Ryan Laura and Sarah and their families. We pray for comfort from the Lord that only he can give. Lisa was an angel on earth and now she is an angel in heaven watching over all.
Diane Turner
Posted at 15:21h, 26 MarchPrecious gal. So very sorry..🥲🙏
Beverly Holzhauser
Posted at 15:34h, 26 MarchLisa was my niece, married to my nephew. I,like everyone, am devastated by her sudden transition to eternal life.. Lisa epitomized, without a doubt every characteristic of a true lady and a Christian. In my estimation, Lisa was the perfect wife, mother, grandmother, friend and certainly an ever ready support to all extended members of her family. She was indeed “Christ like!” No matter what problems confronted me, especially, extending back to 1991 when my son was at Vanderbilt Hospital for a bone marrow transplant and then later transitioning to eternal life, Lisa’s words of consolation were, “It’s God’s plan.!” This was repeated many more times. For Lisa’s devout faith and her life so well lived, I know all the angels and her loved ones rejoiced when she was welcomed into the arms of our Lord and Savior. Everyone needs a Lisa in their life!
Carolyn ball
Posted at 15:38h, 26 MarchThis woman was a beautiful God loving soul
. She would do anything she could to help anyone,.
She leaves us all with her testimony,
We should all strive to be as good of a wife , mother,, child, friend , and Child of God , as she was.
She will be dearly missed ❤️
John Lowder
Posted at 15:40h, 26 MarchI sense the loss to us all. 😭
“…the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.”
(Isaiah 57:1b)
Louise Robinson
Posted at 16:26h, 26 MarchLisa was one of a kind ,she was one of the kindest women I ever met She and Kim done my therapy on my shoulder back in 2002 ..I grew to love Lisa because of her love for everyone and her love of God .I send my prayers for comfort to her family. She will be so missed..
Donell Busroe
Posted at 16:39h, 26 MarchBeautiful obituary that tells the tale of Lisa’s beautiful soul. As a neighbor growing up down the street from her in Harlan, I admired her greatly. When my husband and I had the opportunity to purchase her childhood home, knowing that Lisa had grown up in that home was a big selling point in my mind. I could think of no one I admired more. She was everything in this obituary and so much more. Physical therapy in Eastern Kentucky was shaped by her influence. Prayers for her family as the pain of losing her can only be minimized by the warmth of memories created in her presence.. Run free without bounds, my sweet friend. Thank you for being the perfect example of a Christian woman.
Robert hall
Posted at 16:55h, 26 MarchLisa you were an excellent neighbor and someone I respected. Your death came as a shock to Pam and I. I know you are in the arms of jesus now. Lord bless your family.
Zella L. Davenport
Posted at 18:10h, 26 MarchLisa was a beautiful lady.
She & Kim took care of my son all through the years of him playing football @ CHS.
Later Dewayne worked for them & today is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, mainly because of the respect of Kim & Lisa.
She was a special & devoted wife, mother & friend to everyone she met.
What a loss but what a blessing to everyone that had the privilege of knowing Lisa.
Please pray for Kim & the family.
Roger Newberry
Posted at 18:26h, 26 MarchA special person and great family remembering you guys
Ellen Petrey
Posted at 18:49h, 26 MarchThere just aren’t enough words to describe this beautiful loving woman. I feel blessed to have known her. Praying for Kim, children and grandchildren – all who will miss her dearly.
David Hall
Posted at 19:26h, 26 MarchWe extend our sincere condolences to the Cleary family. – David Hall family of Kansas City.
Deb Scarberry
Posted at 20:22h, 26 MarchLisa was a prayer warrior-she prayed for children without ceasing -so many times I would get a text letting me know she was praying for my son -I am so thankful to have had her in my life
Robert L.Taylor
Posted at 10:33h, 27 MarchPrayers for Kim and family! Lisa and Kim were my physical therapists for several procedures! They were great friends! It is hard to believe Lisa has left this earth. She was an amazing lady! We were blessed to know her. Bob and Barbara Taylor,Louisville,Ky
Jo Lisa McKenzie
Posted at 14:17h, 27 MarchI was blessed to have met Lisa. A wonderful person from a wonderful family. My prayers are with you all.
Judy Anderson Greene
Posted at 17:47h, 27 MarchLisa was my clinical instructor for physical therapy way back in the mid 80s. She was friendly and kind and settled my nerves about treating patients. She was a great teacher and leader. I am so sorry for the family’s loss
Melissa Hudson
Posted at 20:18h, 27 MarchLisa you made the world a better place. Your kindness and sweet spirit will be remembered forever by all of us.
We will miss you until we meet again. So blessed to have known you and your family.
Prayers for all the family.
David Kazee
Posted at 07:42h, 28 MarchWhat a wonderful person. Lisa and her family were so gracious to me many years ago. My heart goes out to Kim and their kids/grand children. Big loss to the community.
Jason Matthews, Shea Hensley
Posted at 10:26h, 28 MarchLisa was such a beautiful and caring person. She always had that sweet smile. We will miss her. Prayers for her family and friends.
Phyllis Feltner
Posted at 16:29h, 28 MarchI was blessed to work with Lisa and call her friend. Fly high sweet Lisa. I love you and I will miss our text chats. I will see you in Heaven one day.
Pamela Howard
Posted at 19:51h, 28 MarchI just heard about Lisa today. It breaks my heart. She was a wonderful person. I am so sorry for you Kim and your family. Love and prayers. 🙏❤️🙏
Gwen Pendergraft
Posted at 14:20h, 29 MarchThis world lost an angel and Heaven gained one. Lisa will be missed by anyone who knew her. I’m so fortunate to have been one of the people who had the pleasure. It’s not often one thanks God for having to have physical therapy, but I do. Lisa and Kim were always such a pleasure to be around and to talk to. I am so sorry for you, Kim , Laura, Ryan and Sara. She has left her mark on each child and you are so much better for it. I’m am so sorry for your loss.
Melissa & Undrae Mitchell
Posted at 21:03h, 29 MarchKim and Lisa has been like family to me and my Husband. Our hearts are broken. Wish we could have been there to pay our respects. But know that we will never forget her love and her sweetest smile. She was the sweetest lady. She always made us feel loved and welcomed. We are devastated.
Becky Morrison Yenser
Posted at 00:51h, 31 MarchKim, Ryan, Laura & Sara…. And fam I am so sorry for your loss! Lisa was as dear as a sister to me- the best college roommate anyone could ever have! We had the best time doing life together & the deep oneness we shared in Christ never wavered through the years! I am devastated & heartbroken! What a beautiful beautiful kind & loving soul -inside & out! There are no words to express how much I will miss her so I can imagine the hole in her family & church & community will be huge with the loss of Lisa! But praise God she is forever leaping & running with Jesus! I adored my dear college roomie from the day I met the girl from Harlan talking about “her people” & she was the only person who could make me (a fellow Kentuckian) sound like i was from “New Jerseys” compared to her sweet southern accent! Praying over you all & forever cherishing the gift of Lisa in our lives here on earth until we meet again in Heaven! Kiss kiss💋💋
Greg VanHoose
Posted at 10:31h, 31 MarchI was blessed to meet and spend time with Kim and Lisa during a clinical rotation in 1990. I had a wonderful experience due to the kindness and love of these two special people. Kim, I will be lifting you and your family up in my prayers💔🙏
May the God of all hope keep you in perfect peace as you trust in Him ROM 15:13