We are saddened to hear of Jean's passing. Our prayers go out to her children and grandchildren.

Jean was our neighbor for many years. She was definitely a woman who stayed on the go and just enjoyed life everyday to the fullest. Jean had an open heart and was always willing to help others. Anyone who has known Jean is blessed by her kindness. She will remain in our hearts!!

To Gerry,Dulaney,Carter and grandchildren: Jean loved her children and grandchildren dearly and often shared their accomplishments with her friends. She was so proud of you and my hope is that your wonderful memories of your mother and grandmother will help you through this difficult time.
Jean was my coworker, but most of all my friend of 30 plus years. She faced many challenges with her health but she always faced them head-on, never one to complain or limit her activities because of those challenges. Her zest for life was unrelenting. In a recent conversation we talked about friends -how important they are in our lives, especially as we grow older. We certainly love our family members but we cherish our friends in a special way and certainly Jean did that. Daily, I think of something I want to share with Jean and almost reach for the phone to call her but my long distance plan doesn't cover heaven! I need to share a conversation I recently had with an employee of Southside Regional Medical Center who received services at the Petersburg Health Dept when she was a teenager. I was sitting with a family member at the hospital when a young woman in her 30's came by and spoke with me. She asked about Jean and I told her that Jean was ill but undergoing treatment and putting up a good fight. She went on the tell me how much "Mrs. Smith" had helped her as a teenager. She said, "I thank God for Mrs. Smith-there are so many people in Petersburg that she helped. She chased me all over town-literally-to give me health information and encourage me to come to the health clinic for services that she knew I needed even when I didn't want to accept the fact that I did. She made my life better and I thank her for that." I have a pad of paper with the heading "Jean's Connections"-how fitting. All of those who knew and loved her will have trouble disconnecting with her physically but memories of her will always be with us.

Dear Dulaney, Carter, Gerry, and Beloved Grandchildren,

My heart breaks for all of you in your great loss. I'm part of the infamous "Beach Buddies Gang", and we have all been grieving with you. None of us can imagine our Durham High reunion this fall, followed by our annual beach week, without your Mother. And it's not just for her unforgettable pimmento (sp?) cheese -- although that will be mightily missed, too!

I've known your Mother for 65 years, and I can honestly say that she was one of the most admirable people I've ever known. Her ability to accept whatever life brought, to never feel sorry for herself, but always to continue thinking of and serving others was truly remarkable. To top off her compassionate nature, she was always so much fun to be around! How lucky we all are to have her as a role model! I'll never forget her and will try to emulate the wonderful example of service and love of life that she left us.

May the Peace That Passeth Understanding grant you comfort in the days ahead.

With love & sympathy,
Betsy Hendrix

To Jean's family,

I met Jean at the YMCA in water aerobics class and really enjoyed knowing her She was such an outgoing and friendly person and was loved by all. She fought a brave fight to enjoy life as long as she could and was an example to all of us.

My deepest sympathy. Ruth Keller

Dear Gerry, Dulaney, Carter & families,
My deepest condolences on the passing of a great lady, your mother. She was an inspiration to all who knew her and she did SO much good for so many people in this community that she will be forever remembered by all those with whom she came in contact. I mostly remember her for all the good things she did for her beloved church and she will be sorely missed not only for those good deeds but for her wilt, personality and humor. I know that she is now walking with God and all His angels in that better place. May God watch over her and be with you all in these days and months ahead. With all my sympathies. GENE ROSS

Dear Dulaney, Carter, and Gerry,

I never met you but feel that I should know you because of listening to your mother talk about you so much at the beach.

Yes, I am one of the Beach Buddies; and Jean and I graduated from DHS together in 1954. Your mom will be remembered by so many for so many different reasons, but everyone will always remember her HUGE SMILE!! Of course, she was one of DHS' greatest cheerleaders (and claimed she could still get into that old uniform!!!), but she was one of Duke's chief cheerleaders (they just didn't know it.)

There are so many stories that we could tell about Jean, but one recent one kept us laughing at the beach. You never knew what Jean would do when the Beach Buddies got together in the fall, and one time a few years ago she came down with the greenest fingernails you ever saw!! I think this was when you first began to see all the different color nails (and it wasn't Halloween!!).

One night we all went to eat at Calabash, and after our meal we went browsing in the Christmas Store in the area. Jean walked outside and started talking to this nice-looking gentleman; and while they were talking, I snapped a picture of them!!

After we all got back to the cottage, Jean was telling us all about him, and he was an undertaker from some city in North Carolina. We all just KNEW that it was Jean's green nails that attracted him!! So we never let her live that down.

The next year before I went to the beach, I had a huge poster size picture blown up of Jean and the good-looking gentleman talking outside the Christmas Store. I presented it to her one night at the dinner meal. Of course, Jean enjoyed it more than anyone. She was always A GOOD SPORT!!

We can't tell you how much we will miss her at the beach gatherings. She and Ann Powell always did the planning of the meals and the grocery shopping. Once I had the pleasure of joining them on that excursion! Who can ever fill her place?

Jean was a real inspiration to all of us!! No matter what happened to her in life or with her health, she never let it get her down. She always "fought the good fight". We expected her to win this last battle, but it was not to be. We were already making plans for her at the 55th high school reunion. She may not be with us then, but her spirit WILL!!

I went up to see her after her stroke. I went up there with Don and Sybil McClintock and Barbara Pearce. We had such a good day with her. She raised our spirits!! : )

I pray that I will be able to be there for the service. Right now I am having a real bout with kidney stones. I was in the hospital for about four hours on Sunday, went to the urologist yesterday, and the stone has not moved any. If it does not pass, I will be facing surgery. I PRAY that this stone will decide to MOVE so that I may be with you to celebrate the life of one of God's blessed angels!!

God bless you all. Jean loved and adored her family and her grandchildren. She definitely would want this time to be a happy time because she always tried to bring that JOY to her life.

In His love, Dee Tucker (DHS Class of 1954)

Our heartfelt sympathy to Dulaney, Gerry and Carter and your extended family. I have many wonderful memories of Jean beginning in childhood. She was such a happy, giving person. I will miss her, but I know she is in a better place where there is no pain or sickness. I am remembering you in my prayers.

Thank you for your tireless work for the Kiwanis Club. My family and I will always remember the wonderful times had at the circus with you. Your work enhanced many lives in the community. May God bless you.

Our deepest sympathy to Jean's family. She was such a special person. You could always count on a big smile when you saw her. Jean made everyone feel very special. She spent her life giving to others. We will all miss her. God bless each of you with His love and comfort during your difficult time.
Elaine & Norma Yeatts
& Susan Pugh

Our deepest sympathy and prayers are with all of you. Jean Smith was a special person and will always be remembered by everyone she touched.

Chris Katerina Skordas, and The Mad Italian

Much love and many prayers are with you all in this most difficult time, Jean was a special person and will be missed by so very many.
Arie Fenderson Blankenship
Gloria and WF Dance

To the Family,

I am so sorry to learn of Jean's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I pray God will bless and comfort you through this time and surround you with love and happy memories.

I first met Jean as a patient at Petersburg Health Dept. and later took part in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life with her and quite a few others.

My deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved her.