Birth date: Sep 16, 1947 Death date: Jan 10, 2022
Jean Marshall Smith of Clinton, MD, passed away on January 10, 2022. Jean was born in Washington, DC., on September 16, 1947 to James and Bettie Wakenight. Jean is survived by her husband, Art; brother Tom; sons Jeffrey and Brian, Read Obituary
What a beautiful celebration of Jean's life. I'm so glad that I was able to be included via video technology even though I'm in CA. I only met Jean once at a small family gathering (I'm Jean's brother's wife's sister.) She was so warm, friendly and inclusive. She put me at ease right away and I really enjoyed meeting her.
Of course I knew about later goings on through Ruth and Tom, and how Jean and Art enjoyed trading back and forth with them for family celebrations.
All of us oldsters know about failing health as we age and how hoard it is to witness this in a spouse. I'm so glad that Art had an excellent family support system to help him through this. His children were invaluable. Ruth and Tom also did a lot to help, as well as visiting Jean multiple times a week while she was ill.
I enjoyed learning more details of Jean's life and hearing and reading about how much she meant to so many.
I have such wonderful memories of my Aunt Jean. As a little girl I remember I used to love visiting her and playing with all her antique toys and croquet sets. She had a cabbage patch doll named Lucius and I would bring my cabbage patch doll Gloria and we would all play together. I can also remember so many family events playing card games like Uno and laughing so hard. Aunt Jean also loved anything relating to suns and tea, so whenever I was on vacation or travelling to NYC, I would always look for some souvenir or postcard related to suns or teacups for her. And I can't forget all of the times we made gingerbread cookies at her house with Samantha and Gianna.
As an adult, she has been present and an important part of all my milestone celebrations including my bridal shower, wedding and baby shower. At my bridal shower she gave me a book that was my grandmother's from her bridal shower and was so meaningful to me. Aunt Jean was just such a thoughtful person and I have so many cards and notes from her that I will cherish forever.
Thank you to the family for organizing this beautiful celebration today. My heart goes out to Uncle Art, Brian, Linda, Jeff and Erin. I was able to join the Zoom for the service and enjoyed hearing all of the memories shared.
Rebecca
We are a small family. I only had four cousins, but two of them were much older so we weren't close. Tom and Jean were more like extended family to me! I remember piling into the car with Mom and Dad and Charlie and Grandma and heading across the mountains to DC to visit Uncle Jimmie and Aunt Bettie. We packed 9 people into a three-bedroom apartment and never thought once about it being crowded.
I remember summers when they came to visit in Fairmont and picnics at Morris Park. In many ways Jean was the sister I always wanted but never had. I remember sewing Barbie doll clothes with her from scraps of left-over material. And I remember a week at Art's family's beach house in 1969 - in fact, that vacation resulted in my very first airplane trip!
Family was so important to Jean. She always kept up with us and was always there ready to celebrate a wedding or funeral or birthday or other special occasion. She made Christmas stockings for my three kids that they still use today. And because of that gift, I now make Christmas stockings for all my grandkids!
Jean is the first of the Fab Four Cousins to move on and the rest of us will miss her terribly! Love you much!
I have so many wonderful memories of time spent with Jean. She was a remarkable woman, and a dear friend. I recall so many fun trips and adventures with her, as well as tea parties at her house, countless bridge games, and a 'not to be forgotten' white water rafting adventure. She was smart, creative, talented, and thoughtful. I will miss her greatly, but treasure all the good memories.
Liz Echols
Heartfelt condolences to all of Jean's family. I'll miss seeing her at our AHS reunions.
Blessings and peace - Janet (Zagby) Metz
