Jessie Janes Smith December 13, 1937 – August 19, 2019

Jessie Janes Smith
December 13, 1937 – August 19, 2019

Jessie Janes Smith passed away peacefully on August 19, 2019, at her Reflections Assisted Living home in Lancaster after a valiant struggle with the little-known brain disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration.

Jessie was born in Chillicothe, Ohio, and was a proud graduate of Centralia High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree in home economics from Ohio University in Athens. Jessie and her beloved husband Ivan celebrated 60 years of marriage just weeks before her passing on August 1, 2019.

Together, they raised four wonderful children: Suzanne (Thomas) Clareson of Westerville, Amy (Eberhard) Kriege of Lengerich, Germany, Ivan (Julie) Smith III of Westerville, and Jason (Kristin) Smith of New Rochelle, NY. Jessie was also a loving grandmother to nine grandchildren: Liana and Henry Clareson, Jan and Mustefa Kriege, Eleanor and Campbell Smith, and Tyler, Wesley, and Avery Smith.

Jessie dedicated her life to teaching home economics at West Jefferson and Logan Elm High School. She was a strong pillar at home during the years of the family’s consulting business and later became a partner with Ivan in their medical claims management business.

Known as a wonderful wife, mother, and homemaker, Jessie was affectionately remembered as “everyone’s second mom.” Her outstanding culinary skills left lasting memories, like the chili she made before the MHS/LHS game in October 1992. Jessie was talented in canvas embroidery and watercolor painting. From her youth involvement in 4-H to her adult dedication to teaching homemaking skills, Jessie touched many lives. She was also an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church, serving faithfully on the altar guild.

Visiting hours will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Friday, August 23, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, and on Saturday, August 24, from 12:30 to 1:30 PM. The Saturday visitation will be followed by a Christian service of Burial of the Dead at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) at www.theaftd.org or by calling 1-866-507-7222.

Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord; And let light perpetual shine upon her.