Janet Keen Smith was born on June 11, 1953, to James and BettyKeen of the Gum Grove community, where she and her family havespent most of their lives. Janet’s sister, Charlotte Reinhart,resides in Merritt Island, Fla., with her husband, Brad, andchildren Kaitlyn, Emily and Anna.

Janet’s family includes her husband of 37 years, Robert WayneSmith; her daughter, Kelly Smith Taylor and husband, David Taylor,daughter, Cloie, and son, Zachary; and her son, Ian Smith and wife,Brandi Green Smith.

Other survivors include her father-in-law and mother-in-law,Robert and Elaine Smith; her brother-in-law, Mark Smith and wife,Patricia; her sister-in-law, Nancy Smith Campo and husband, Mark;and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Jim and Ruby Keenand Edgar “Green” and Anna Smith.

On April 20, 2010, with the birth of her first grandson, ZacharyRobert, Janet acquired a new name, “Granna.” She was honored bythis name. Zachary brought great joy into her life; she loved himdearly.

Janet graduated from West Lincoln High School, Copiah-LincolnCommunity College and the University of Southern Mississippi with adegree in home economics. She worked at a bank, the MississippiDepartment of Welfare, Leland Public Schools and Lincoln CountyPublic Schools. The greatest number of her dedicated teaching yearswas spent at West Lincoln, where she found joy and pleasure inworking with the school proms for many years.

She also offered her assistance and talents at ball games andorganized numerous coaches’ lounges during tournaments. She wasquick to volunteer in any needed capacity. She loved West Lincoln,her students, her faculty and her staff. The entire school willdearly miss her.

Her church, Gum Grove Baptist Church, was very dear to her. Shewas an active member for most of her life, serving as a Sundayschool teacher, Vacation Bible School craft teacher, and served onthe hostess, shower, and benevolence committees. She loved herchurch and church family and faithfully served the Lord there.

Janet was an active member of the national teacher organization,Kappa Kappa Iota/Alpha Beta Conclave. She served in the capacity ofpresident and in various other offices of the club. She enjoyed themonthly meetings and association with her Kappa sisters.

Bunko was an enjoyable monthly event for Janet and her “BunkoBuddies.” She looked forward each month to gathering with 11 closefriends for a time of food, fun and entertainment. She greatlyenjoyed this monthly event.

She loved pretty, colorful flowers and welcomed each new seasonby planting her seasonal favorites in her flowerpots andflowerbeds. She recently enjoyed a memorable trip to New York withseveral friends. Janet and Robert were often seen togetherfrequenting their favorite eateries in Brookhaven or surroundingareas. She enjoyed activities and fellowship with close friends -they were important to her.

Janet loved God, her family, and life. Most of her life wasdedicated to the teaching profession. Over the years, she hastaught many students who have nothing but fond memories of her. Asher 35th year of teaching abruptly ended, some of her last thoughtswere of her responsibilities of her job and the concerns of herstudents. Her life may have come to an end, but her legacy as aloving wife, caring mother, doting “Granna,” and dedicated teacherwill live on.

She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 24, atGum Grove Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery.Visitation will be Tuesday from 1 until 2 p.m. at the church.

To express your thoughts to the family, you may visitwww.riverwoodfamily.com and click on her name to leave acomment.