Cayce B. Leon

Cayce B. Leon of Nashville, TN, passed away October 11, 2025, with family present after bravely battling Cholangiocarcinoma Cancer over the past year. Cayce was born November 15,1964 in Sewickley, PA to Jane V. and Joseph J. Barch of Moon Township, PA. Upon graduation from Moon High School, Cayce attended Dayton University and completed her studies at The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, earning an Associate Degree in Visual Communication.

Cayce launched her creative career in Hilton Head, SC, working as an in-house graphic designer for Perry Printing. After relocating to Charleston, SC, she became Marketing and Promotions Director for an eight-station radio cluster.

In 2002, she was brought to Nashville, TN by the CEO of Bullseye Marketing Research (BMR), John Hart (Hartridge) to become his Operations/Marketing Manager. Over 13 years, this offered the chance to better blend her marketing talents and graphic design skills for both BMR and Nashville Country Club.

Cayce’s personal journey began to call her in a new direction. Leaving the music industry, she became a Resident Peer Counselor/Case Manager at Still Waters for Women (2015-2020) and was a Certified Peer Recovery Specialist. In 2022 she was licensed by the State of Tennessee to practice as an Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor. Her most recent position was with The Ranch in Nunnelly, TN (2024).

Among her accomplishments, Cayce was awarded Recovery Volunteer of the Year (2014) by the Nashville Prevention Partnership and served as President of the Cumberland Heights Alumni Association (2011 – 2013). Since 2011, she served on the board of and eventually became the Chairperson for RecoveryFest Nashville. She delighted in bringing the recovery community together via this annual event.

Celebrating 17 years herself, Cayce was an active and beloved member of Nashville’s recovery community, passionately encouraging and celebrating others with creativity, compassion, and humor.

When not working, Cayce enjoyed spending time with her husband and their three cats as well as traversing the state in search of the best donuts it had to offer.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 15th at 11am at Cumberland Heights First Family Life Center Chapel, 8283 River Road, Nashville, TN 37209.

Cayce is preceded in death by her parents Jane V. and Joseph J., and her sister Michelle Barch. She leaves behind her beloved husband Brian D. Smith, brother Joel J. (Kim) Barch, and many cousins. Her vibrant humor, love, and passion will be missed by many. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Gilda’s Club of Middle TN at https://gildasclubmiddletn.org/ways-to-give/donate/.