Kathyrn Ann “Kathy” Smith, 75, of Durbin, peacefully died in her sleep Friday, July 31, 2026, after a long illness, fought with courage, laughter and remarkable grace.
A woman of extraordinary beauty, strength and creativity, Kathy was born February 25, 1951, in Glen Cove, New York, and moved to West Virginia in 1988. In 1996, she and her surviving husband, John, envisioned restoring a historic railroad track one tie at a time and ultimately founded the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley RR, Inc. Kathy served as DGVR Vice President and Secretary for 30 years. Her artistry on DGVR signs in Elkins and Durbin, logos on buildings, shirts, hats and locomotives will forever be admired – all stemming from her vibrant, vivid imagination. She loved the railroad and poured her heart into making it the success it has become.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her three children, Alisha Andrews, of Hillsborough, North Carolina, Justin Jesselli, of Brooklyn, New York, and Azlan Jeselli, of Dedham, Massachusetts; and was a very proud grandmother to two grandchildren, Gavin Andrews, Hillsborough, North Carolina, and Emery Jesselli, Dedham, Massachusetts.
Kathy was a warm and welcoming friend to everyone she met.
She wished to be cremated, and her ashes spread on the hillside above the house that she and John built a few miles south of Durbin.
A memorial service will be held at a future date and location TBD.
