Vickie Lynn Smart, 66, of Lewis Center died peacefully Monday, March 30 at home following a long battle with cancer.
Born Feb. 16, 1954 in Cincinnati to James M. and Delores (Ritter) Hon, she was a 1972 graduate and member of the Honor Society at Buckeye Valley High School.
Her interests focused on journalism during her high school years, which she continued to pursue at Ohio State University.
Leaving college, she began a career in retail sales in clothing and jewelry. She eventually started working at Berman’s Leather Goods, eventually managing the Westland mall store, followed by the larger Northland and Eastland stores.
However, the hours of retail became too onerous, resulting in a move to a few banking positions.
She then found work in the new computer/internet sector, with a position in human services at CompuServe. Her hard work led her to many promotions at CompuServe and later management positions at World Comm and Metatec.
In 1982, she married William L. Smart, a marriage lasting 38 years. They had one daughter, Karlyn Mackenzie.
Along with her husband and daughter, she is survived by her brother, James Hon; two sisters-in-law, Tamara Sue (Smart) Duffy and Diane Lynn (Smart) Schmidt and her husband Edward; as well as several nieces and nephews.
Outside of work, she was a devoted mother, avid reader and enjoyed word games and making jewelry for her and her friends.
With her husband, she was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Delaware, Ohio. She was also a volunteer at the church office until she developed serious health issues.
In 2005, she was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. She and her medical team managed to keep her cancer at bay for more than 14 years. Unfortunately, her cancer metastasized into her bones and finally her liver and lung.
She and her husband supported several cancer and medical charities, as well as the Special Olympics.
Due to current health concerns, her service will be restricted to immediate family only.
Arrangements are being completed by Rutherford Funeral Home at Powell, 450 W. Olentangy Street, Powell, Ohio.
Condolences may be shared at www.rutherfordfuneralhomes.com.