Elizabeth May Jewell

Elizabeth May Roy Jewell, age 71, of Florence, Kentucky, passed away peacefully at her home Wednesday, May 21, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her most.

One of several children, Libby was born August 6, 1953, in Versailles, KY to Eldon and Sarah (Cain) Roy. As a teenager, she moved to Covington where she eventually made friends with Ken Jewell and was introduced to Ken’s brother, Herby. Libby and Herby fell in love and were married on July 5, 1974. They were blessed with forty-one years together and three children, whom they adored: Kristie, Patty, and Billy.

Truly, Libby provided an honorable and strong example of how to be a caring and hard-working woman in today’s world. She had an excellent work ethic, worked hard her entire life, and was a dedicated employee wherever she worked. She earned her GED and obtained her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Certified Medical Technician (CMT) certifications from Thomas Moore University in Edgewood. She worked at Colonial Heights Senior Living facility for over 24 years, caring for and loving on the residents who lived there. Libby would often take her children, and eventually her two grandsons, to work with her, where they saw that excellent work ethic in action.

Family meant everything to Libby, and she raised not only her three children but two of her grandchildren, Dontay and Dre Shaun, whom she considered her own.

For years, Libby lived with COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which is a group of progressive lung diseases, including emphysema and chronic bronchitis, that make it extremely difficult to breathe. The symptoms of COPD forced her to retire, after which time she enjoyed spending her days sitting on her porch…coffee, sweets, and a cigarette in hand. Known in her neighborhood as ‘The Lady on the Porch’, she loved waving and calling out greetings to those who passed by, even if she didn’t know them personally. If you had the opportunity to sit on that porch with her, she made you feel like you were the most important part of her day, listening intently as you spoke. She was a selfless giver, often taking in strangers as they passed her house…offering a sandwich and a kind word. Libby always looked to help those less fortunate than herself and encouraged her children to do the same.

Adored by family and friends, Libby’s absence leaves a void that cannot be filled but her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know and love her.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Herb Jewell; her parents, Eldon and Sarah Roy; four sisters: Polly, Mary, Anna, and Linda; mother-in-law, Mabel Jewell; and several nephews.

Left to cherish her memory are her three children: Kristie Jewell of Port Richey, Florida; Patty Jewell of Florence, KY; and Billy Jewell of Florence, KY; six grandchildren: Dontay Jewell, Dre Shaun Jewell, Kennedy Green, Liberty Kennedy, LaRoy Kennedy, Jamari Johnson; two great-granddaughters: Remedy ‘Remi’ Jewell and Ariella ‘Ari’ Jewell; two sisters: Norma Bowling, Evelyn Delaney; a host of extended relatives; and many dear friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 10:00am-12:00noon at the Florence Christian (Disciples of Christ) Church located at 300 Main Street, Florence, KY.

In keeping with Libby’s request, she was cremated and will be laid to rest beside her husband, Herb, at Resthaven Cemetery in Jeff, Kentucky.