- Date Of Birth: April 29, 1957
- Date Of Death: June 17, 2014
- State: Illinois
Janie Faye Smith passed away early in the morning of June 17, 2014 at her home in rural Centralia. She was born in Cairo, Illinois to Thomas Rutter Smith and Mary Elizabeth Sturman Smith, where she lived until she left to attend college at Columbia, Missouri.
She received a journalism degree from the University of Missouri, where she was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority, and where she became an avid fan of the Missouri Tigers. Janie later graduated from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Law, was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 1983, and began practice at Wham & Wham Attorneys in Centralia, where she worked for twenty-two years. Her specialty was family law. Janie was preceded in death by her parents, and by local relatives Faye Wham` and Ward Sneed. Janie had a love for children, and was a fantastic mentor to all who were fortunate enough to know her. She displayed such a genuine interest in their individual exploits, talents, accomplishments, and even their temporary defeats, that each child believed himself or herself to be her favorite. But Janie had no favorites; she loved them all.
Janie is survived by many cousins and scores of friends. She knew people from all over the planet; it is impossible to list them. Her membership in Business and Professional Women at the local, state and national levels was of special joy to her, and many of her closest friends were made during her lengthy involvement with that organization. Janie served as president of the local chapter, as well as of the state chapter. She also served as national secretary. She most recently served as trustee of the Celia M. Howard Fellowship Fund. Janie received many awards. Unfortunately, we do not have a great record of them for the simple reason that she did not tout them. But they were richly deserved. For example, she was a gifted speaker, and, as a result, was designated as one of the Illinois Jaycees’ Ten Outstanding Young Persons in 1986. After her retirement, Janie built her dream house in Seabrook, Washington, which she generously shared with anyone who could make the long trek to the Pacific Northwest. She, of course, made many friends at Seabrook.
Even in her last days, Janie was making new friends and influencing young people. Her caregivers learned grace and courage from her as she finished her final arduous battle. Janie was a warrior, and Doctor Oza was her general. Together, they waged a war, and because of his skill, along with that of his nurses, Janie lived a good life that cancer would otherwise have stolen. Readers may also know of a little dog called Lizzie. The joy she brought to Janie is legend among her friends, and Janie was so comforted to know that wonderful folks will care for Lizzie the rest of her life. Should anyone wish to make a donation in Janie’s honor, please know that she had a special fondness for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and for the Tiger Scholarship Fund for Student Athletes Attending the Columbia Campus.
