Imogene “Jean” Smith, age 85, passed away at Southgate Nursing & Rehabilitation in the early morning hours of Friday, May 10th with family by her side.
Growing up in Brownfield and most of her adult life in Pope Co, Jean was no stranger to work. One might find her tilling her garden, mowing the fields, tending to the farm animals or taking a hoe to a snake. As a homemaker, she loved cooking for her family and keeping her house spotless. Yearly family reunions were held in Rock with family and neighbors coming. Before their arrival, you would find her in the “barn” mopping the floor and preparing enough food to feed everyone. At the end of those nights, a guitar or two would appear and the music began. Only to find Jean the next morning, preparing a breakfast fit for kings. Jean was many things to many people but the roll of a caregiver was common nature to her. She spent a few years working midnights at Veach’s as a waitress and her customers came to know and love her. They, like others, knew they were in good hands. Jean was of the Baptist faith.
In 2011, after the passing of her husband, Richard Smith, Jean made the decision to sell the farm and move to town. In 2012, Metropolis became her home. As with before, she enjoyed taking care of her home and her yard. Many times you’d find her taking long walks. A very independent strong woman who was always determined to take care of whatever needed taken care of.
To watch a person of this nature become so helpless and dependent when Alzheimer's became more evident to not only her family but also to her was extremely agonizing.
Jean is survived by her children, Charlotte Parks of Metropolis, Mike (Amy) Bullock of Stonefort, IL, Jeff (Deneal) Bullock of Metropolis, Martie Smith Banning (Mark), Tommy (Nikki) Smith both of Cowden, IL. Randy (Stefane) Smith of Beecher City, IL. Rusty (Tammy) Smith of Clarksville, TN and Tricia Smith Adkins (Tom) of Lakewood, IL, one brother Danny (Margie) Joiner of Brownfield, niece Dollie Kemper of Metropolis and nephew, Billy Rose of Metropolis, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Noala Wiggins, two sisters, Helen Bates and June Kerr and husband Richard Smith.
Visitation will be at Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 14th from 11 am – 1 pm. Services will begin at 1 pm with Pastor David Deem officiating and burial will follow at Shedville Cemetery in Pope Co., IL.
Memorials may be made in Jean’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, 8430 West Bryn Mawr, Suite 800, Chicago, Illinois 60631.
Pallbearers are: Chris Parks, Patrick Parks, Joe McGregory, Tommy Smith, Randy Smith and Billy Rose.
Online condolences may be left at www.aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com
