Faye Smith Smiddy "Miss Faye", one of the Museum of Appalachia’s most colorful and beloved figures, died Monday, February 22, at the age of 86.
A native of Campbell County, Faye served as the manager of the Museum’s restaurant. She joined the staff in 2000, and she was known for her culinary arts—especially her cakes and pies—and for her outgoing personality.
She remained active until her retirement at the age of 84, and all her younger co-workers in the kitchen avowed that even at her advanced age she could “work circles around” them.
In the evenings and on weekends she was an avid gardener, and she donated much of her bounty to the Museum kitchen.
Her infectious personality was contagious and her wit and homespun humor endeared her to Museum visitors. She was featured in newspapers and magazines, and was featured in the popular book, Tennessee Country, by Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Robin Hood.
Faye was easily the most beloved and caring worker at the Museum, and she was much more than an employee. She was the matriarch of the Museum family.
Elaine Meyer, President of the Museum, always said she hoped that she would be as spry and hard-working as Miss Faye when she was in her mid-eighties. Elaine then paused and said, “Wow, I’m less than half her age, and I can’t keep up with her now.”
Ailene Phillips, who worked side by side with Miss Faye for a decade, said, “She was my buddy. She taught me a lot. In all the years we worked side by side, we never had a cross word. She was always ready to help anybody and everybody.”