Janice Smith

Janice Sue (Gard) Smith received her wings and went to walk among the angels on November 17, 2023. Janice (Janie) was born on July 13, 1936, in Mt. Perry, Ohio. She graduated from Hopewell High School as valedictorian of her class in 1954, and married her high school sweetheart, Joe Smith, Sr., the next year.
Family and a happy home are what mattered most to Janice and that’s where her super-powers and talents always shined. She was fully dedicated to her families’ happiness, always providing them with love and support. She ensured that her children’s summer days were filled with fun and laughter and their Christmases with wonder – she was able to make even the most routine daily experiences feel special and important.
Janice was a well of endless strength, offering comfort and tenderness during injuries, illnesses, and challenging times. That precious well has served its purpose, and her children still draw from it every day.
Leading by example, she taught her children and grandchildren to see the beauty around them, to treat everyone with kindness and respect, and to hold on dearly to all that is good in the world.
Surviving is her daughter Lori Smith, son Joseph (Angie) Smith Jr., son-in-law Michael Brandom, six grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. She also has many other ‘kids’ whom she claimed as her own, being incredibly proud of them all.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents, Lucie (Nye) and Charles Ralph Gard of Mt. Perry; two brothers, Charles K. Gard of Middleport and Don Dale Gard of Zanesville; and her loving husband and best friend of 66 years, Joseph E. Smith, Sr. of Hopewell.
The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Genesis Hospice group. As inclined, family and friends are invited to make donations to the Morrison house of Zanesville.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a future time. To sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note of condolence please visit www.hilliscombsnestor.com