"Lit a candle in memory of Jeri Lou Smith"
In loving memory of
Jeri Lou Smith
October 23, 1935 - October 6, 2015
Jeri Lou Smith
Canton Jeri Lou Smith, 79, of Canton died Tuesday, October 6, 2015, at Sunset Manor in Canton.
She was born October 23, 1935, in Evergreen Park, to Chester H. Jr. and Mildred (McWilliams) Wason, both who preceded her in death. She married John Marion Smith on December 13, 1961, at the First Presbyterian Church in Canton. He survives.
Also surviving are her son, Ronald Gene (Susan) Smith; two grandchildren, Chad Arthur Smith and Jennifer Lyn (Robert) Regan; five great-grandchildren, Alex Ean Smith, Marley Jane Smith, Lily Ann Smith, Kennedi Faith Regan, and Carsyn Rae Regan; and one half-brother, John Blair Wason.
One granddaughter, Jaime Kay Smith, preceded her in death.
She was raised in Chicago by her father for her first 7 years. When she was 8, she spent a year in a boarding school in a downtown area of Chicago. She then went to spend 7 years with her paternal grandparents, Chester H. Sr. and Rena Wason, in Canton. The next 3 years she was sent to live with her mother in Portland, Oregon, where she attended Grant, Lincoln, and Jefferson High Schools, graduating in 1953. In 1954, she returned to Canton where she resided until her death.
Jeri was employed by Canton Union School District #66, for 34 years, retiring in 1992. Before that she had worked at Knepps & Reicherts Jewelry Store.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, where she was a former Deacon, Elder, and Trustee. She transferred her membership to the Evangelical Free Church of Canton in 2009.
She loved fishing, swimming, tennis, painting, travel, flower gardening, decorating, and just puttering, visiting all 50 states and many different countries over the years.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2015, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, where visitation will be held one hour prior to services. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton.
Memorials may be made to the Canton Evangelical Free Church.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"Lit a candle in memory of Jeri Lou Smith"
"I worked with Jeri Lou for many years. She was always trying to keep me organized. To no avail, however. We had some great times and she will be missed. My prayers and thoughts go to John, Ron and the family. She touched many live in a positive way. Jim Maynard"
"So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with all of your family. Janet McCaughey"
"Dear John & family, I know Jeri Lou has been a good wife for you. She was always kind, generous and upbeat. She will be missed. The world was a better place because she lived. Our sincere condolences. Gene and Marilyn Taylor"
"My deepest Sympathy to the family of Jeri Lou. We had many years of fun playing cards together with several other gals. Jeri Lou was loved by all and will be miss very much. RIP Jeri Lou"
"When I was a jr. high student ("old" jr. high), I felt very special to be selected as one of the girls who got to work in the office, under Jeri Lou's supervision. It was such fun, and we all loved her. I saw her over the years, especially since my Mother Frances Martin taught in the same school where Jeri worked. I send you John my sincere sympathy, she was a fun, lively, attractive, wonderful lady. I remember you both fondly."
"So sorry for your loss Ron, Sue & John, Jeri was one of a kind, always fun to be around. She was very proud of her Son and his family. Jane & David Pschirrer"
"Jeri Lou was my secretary in the District #66 Administration Building from 1985 until her retirement in 1992. During my 42 years as a school administrator in eight different school districts, she was one of the best secretaries that I ever had. Jeri Lou always had a smile and a friendly word for everyone that she met. She was efficient, pleasant, and kept the Curriculum Office running smoothly. She was wonderful at her job. I sure will miss her!"
"My sincere sympathy, John. Jeri was a very special person!"