Jean Smith

Marjorie Jean Smith passed away after a long battle with Alzheimer’s on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at Covenant Place of Burleson, in Burleson Texas. Jean was born on October 15, 1932 in Palmyra, MO to Herman and Myra (Bittleson) Donelson. She married Walter Roger Smith on March 9, 1952 in Annada, MO. Jean attended and graduated from Palmyra High school. After graduation, she worked for Clarence Cannon in his Washington, DC office. There she met her husband, Walter - ‘Tex’ (on leave from the Marine Corps) – on the steps of the US Capital and a lifelong love began. After Tex’s military service was complete, the couple returned to Missouri and lived there until they both retired. Jean held several different jobs – working at Pike County Hospital and a dental office. For many years, she owned Esterbrook’s Florist – where she created beautiful floral arrangements. Jean was an active member of the Eastern Star for many years and served on the original Louisiana Colorfest Board. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Louisiana. Jean and Tex also enjoyed square-dancing together and were often found on a dance floor with their friends. Jean was an avid seamstress and enjoyed making garments for her grandchildren. A memorable project she completed were Easter dresses for Peggy’s three young girls in the late 1980s with matching rabbits wearing matching dresses with help from her sister Helen. Jean was an accomplished cook and loved to share her pies, jams, jellies and apple butter with friends. She also loved and collected Rosevelle Pottery. Tex built shelves that lined the walls of every room in their home on Frances Dr. to display all of her favorite pieces. After her retirement, she and Tex traveled all over the United States – making friends everywhere they went. Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Judy, and her son Stanley. Survivors include her husband Walter; son, Jeff Smith and his wife Lori of Crowley, TX; daughter, Peggy Reed and her husband Patrick of Troy, VA; Six Grandchildren: Karen Snyder, Morgan Hultman, Heather Bingler, Galen Reed, Bryan Smith, and Samantha Smith; Six Great-Grandchildren: Joseph Hultman, Barrett Snyder, Makayla Bingler, Maximus Snyder, Kinsey Bingler, and Weylon Llewelyn; Sisters: Patricia Quattrocchi of Louisiana, MO, and Helen Martin of Elsberry, MO. A graveside service will be held at the Elsberry Cemetery on Monday, December 28, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. for family. Due to Covid-19 precautions, those attending are asked to please wear their masks and adhere to social distancing requirements. The family asks in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana, MO in charge of arrangements.

Jean Smith

October 15, 1932 - December 20, 2020