Jean L. Smith's Obituary
SMITH, JEAN LOVE 91, born January 13, 1917 in Charlotte, NC and passed away of natural causes June 25, 2008 in Dallas. A loving mother, wife and grandmother, she grew up in Ashville, NC, received a degree in social work from the University of North Carolina and joined the Red Cross in World War II. After the war she married Dr. Charles L. Smith in 1948 and moved to Dallas where he was completing his residency in pediatrics. They were married for 38 years until his death in 1986. She began her career in social work in Dallas at Children’s Medical Center which ended in 1953 when they moved to Garland to set up a medical practice. She became a lifelong supporter of her new community serving as the first woman on the Garland School Board from 1963-66 and as board president in 1965. She was a founding board member of the YWCA in Garland and a Cub Scout den leader for both of her boys. She was a tireless volunteer and member of numerous organizations including the Dallas County Medical Auxiliary, Psychiatric Wives’ Club, the Dallas Committee for Foreign Visitors, the Sequence Study Club, the University Women’s Book Club, Tale Spinners, and was The Garland Federation of Womens Club’s Woman of the Year in 1965. Always active and faithful in her church, first The Church of the Incarnation Episcopal in Dallas and later Saint Michaels and all Angels Episcopal, she supported the Thrift House ministry as a dedicated volunteer for over 10 years. Later she was active in the breast cancer support group at St. Michaels. She is survived by her two sons, Stuart L. Smith and Mark W. Smith and wife (Mimi); four grandchildren, Jessica, Coulton, Jenna and Skylar; brother, Bill Love of Lanexa, VA; many nieces, nephews and friends here and across the country. Her sunny disposition will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
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