Aileen Stephens Daugherty, 81 of Stephens Farm Road in Whitley City, Ky. Passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, with those she loved most by her side at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital.

She was born November 18, 1944, the daughter of Elisha and Bertha Roberts Setphens of Whitley City, Ky. She built a life defined by love, service and enduring faith, and she touched many through acts of kindness and a steadfast spirit.

She married Gene Daugherty on June 7, 1985. Together they built a home filled with warmth and laughter. She had a strong sense of family and enjoyed every moment she got to spend with hers. She was a member of Walkers Chapel Baptist Church, Parkers Lake, Ky.

Aileen's greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her husband, Gene Daugherty of Whitley City, Ky; her children, Debbie (Scott) Sumner, Pine Knot, Ky, Skip (Angie) Jones of Winfield, Tn; her daughter in-law Emily Jones of Pine Knot, Ky. Genes children Roger, Tim and Monte. She was a loving mother to her late son, Ronnie Jones.

She was a adoring grandmother to her grandchildren, Eleshia (Dustin) Ammerman, London, Ky., Ali (Jake) Slaven, Alex and AJ Jones all of Winfield, Tn. Alea Jones, Knoxville, Tn., Alexea (Sam) Bell Oneida, Tn., Jeremiah (Kama) Jones, Whitley City, Ky., Rebekah (Julian) Jones of Stearns, Ky. and Jacob Jones, Pine Knot, Ky. She also leaves behind her cherished great grandchildren: Emmett, Samuel, Emmy, Miles and Juliet.

She is survived by special cousin and sister by heart Rowena (Chuck) Molnar, Howell Michigan. With whom she shared a lifelong bond.

Aileen was a trailblazer and a dedicated worker. She earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts Degrees in Psychology from University of Kentucky. Over her career, she worked as a bookkeeper 36 years for Hollis Motor Company and McCreary County Board of Education. She spent 10 years as case manager for Lifeline Home Health. She became the first female to hold the position of Master Commissioner for McCreary County.

She was honored by being appointed a Kentucky Colonel. She volunteered countless hours to local community organizations and the Republican Party.

Aileen was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Ronnie Jones.

She will be deeply remembered for her integrity, hard work, gentle listening ear, and unwavering support for those she loved.

The family received friends on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at 12:00 pm until service time at 1:00 pm in the chapel of the Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home. Funeral services presided over by Father Mike Neal and Bro. Jake Slaven with Interment following at McCreary Memorial Gardens in Whitley City, Ky.

Obituary written by family.

Hickman-Strunk Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Aileen Stephens Daugherty.