Jean F. Smith's Obituary
Jean Smith died on Tuesday, May 16, 2023. She was born Emma Jean Foster in Watonga, Oklahoma on February 24, 1935 to Newmerris and Lucy Foster. She was raised in Southard, Oklahoma, a U. S. Gypsum company town of under 500 population in Blaine County with two older brothers and a younger sister and came to Tulsa in 1956. Following her training at Tulsa Business College, she enjoyed a long career as an executive secretary for Tulsa County; General Telephone of Broken Arrow; T. D. Williamson, Inc.; and Expo Square from where she retired in 2000 as administrative assistant to the director. She valued her work and the friends she made throughout her career, many of whom she maintained contact with over the years. After her retirement she became active in various volunteer organizations and enjoyed lunches, movies and traveling with friends and being with her family. Because of her enjoyment of reading, she was a loyal patron of the public library system. Of her many accomplishments, being a mother was her greatest blessing and joy; and she will be remembered as a devoted mother and loyal friend. She is survived by two beloved sons and cherished “daughters,” T. Michael Smith and Cindy Stuart of Tulsa and Patrick W. and Linda Smith of Broken Arrow; a sister, Lucy Weaks of Ashland City, Tennessee; the father of her sons, Earl J. Smith of Claremore; several cousins, nieces and nephews and many valued friends. She was preceded in death by an infant son ever in her heart, Eric J. Smith, her parents and two brothers. Those who wish to honor Jean's memory may do so with contributions to John 3:16 Mission, 575 North 39 West Ave., Tulsa, OK 74127; Meals on Wheels, 5151 East 51 St., Tulsa, OK 74135; Restore Hope Ministries, 2960 West Charles Page Blvd., Tulsa, OK 74127; or to a favorite charity. A memorial service will be held at New Haven United Methodist Church, 5603 South New Haven Ave. on Saturday, June 3 at 10:00 AM.
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