Jeanne Smith

Jeanne Smith of Georgetown, IL, slipped away to Heaven on Tuesday, August 4, 2015. Jeanne peacefully left this life with her loving husband and children by her side. Jeanne was born on July 29, 1941, in Chicago, IL. She was the daughter of James and Angeline (Arvia) Snyder. This big city girl met the farm boy of her dreams, John T. Smith, at the University of Illinois in 1959. The college sweethearts were married in Chicago, IL on Jeanne's twentieth birthday, July 29, 1961. John and Jeanne moved to Georgetown, IL in 1962. They immediately immersed themselves in the community. Their involvement in the Georgetown Fair led the way to lifelong community service. Jeanne's passion for the Georgetown Fair was exemplified in her role as Office Manager for more than twenty years. Her community service continued through her career as a Title I Reading Teacher at Pine Crest Elementary School in Georgetown. She touched the lives of countless children during her thirty plus years in education. To further promote her passion for reading and the community, Jeanne served on the Georgetown Public Library Board, most recently serving as President until her health prevented her from continuing in that role. She was instrumental in the planning and implementation of the new Public Library. Jeanne has been involved in various organizations over the years, including: Antiquarians, Red Hat, Jr. Women's Club, PTO, and GREA Miss Piggy. Jeanne's "families" were very important to her. Her husband, children, grandchildren and great children were her greatest passion. She loved having all thirty of us together; the laughing and reminiscing were her greatest joys. There wasn't anything she wouldn't do for any one of us! She leaves a wonderful legacy of family love and family first. Due to the fact that both John and Jeanne's families were miles away, their fair and school families become very near and dear to both of them as well. Many lifelong friends have been made due to these connections. Jeanne was an avid Cubs fan, often traveling with John T. to Arizona for spring training. The Cubs bus trips were often the highlight of her year. She was also a great supporter of the Fighting Illini. Of course, her favorite sports' teams were those of her grandchildren. She was their biggest fan. Jeanne will be dearly missed by her beloved husband of fifty-four years, John T.; her children, Kristine (Steve) Muehlher of Indianola, Kathleen (Greg) Lientz of Chrisman, David (Amy) Smith of Georgetown, and Diane (Jeff) Newell of Westville; her grandchildren, Staff Sgt. Michael (Nikki) Cox of Ft. Meade, MD, Kyle (Alice) Lientz of Chrisman, Tyler (Crystal) Cox of W. Terre Haute, IN, Brooke (Brian) Dunavan of Tilton, Jessica Muehlher of Indianola, Jonathan and Jeremiah Smith of Georgetown, Kendall, Lani and Lexi Newell of Westville; great grandchildren, Camden and Colton Cox of Ft. Meade, MD, Robin and Samuel Cox of W. Terre Haute, IN, Delaniee Dunavan of Tilton, Sadie Lientz of Chrisman, Baby Cox of Ft. Meade, MD to arrive in January 2016; and brother Jim (Maria) Snyder of McCordsville, IN. As per Jeanne's wishes, following her cremation, a visitation and Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2015, at the Georgetown Fairgrounds Convention Center in Georgetown, IL. Visitation will be held from 3:00 - 7:00 pm with the Celebration of Life Memorial Service immediately following at 7:00 pm. Reverend Jim Blue will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Georgetown Fair, Georgetown Public Library, or Pine Crest Elementary Title I Program. The family requests that you dress casually and come celebrate a life well-lived. Jeanne's family would like to thank the many friends and family members that took on the role of caretaker in our time of need. You will never know the magnitude of your blessing on our family. Momma Jeanne was the epitome of love, kindness, and generosity. Her passing will leave a void in the lives of her family and countless friends. We know she would want us to carry on and to keep on "Takin' Care of Business"!