Janet G. Smith

After a brief illness, Janet Giffen Smith passed away peacefully on Friday, January 31, 2025, at the age of 95. She was beloved by her family and friends for her cheerful and caring ways and her joy for life. She loved everyone but had a special place in her heart for children and always broke into smiles when one of her great grandchildren came into her room. Her second love in life was music – she loved singing in the choir, and she loved going to piano concerts given by Awadagin Pratt. And finally, she loved ice cream and milkshakes! 

She married Paul B. Smith in June of 1948 and shortly thereafter they moved to Brazil where they served as Presbyterian missionaries and raised their family until 1970. After retiring from the mission field, they moved to Kershaw, South Carolina where Paul served as minister of First Presbyterian Church and Beaver Creek Presbyterian Church until his retirement and Janet immersed herself in the community and cultivated deep friendships. As her children married and started their own families, they would often come to visit at the Hillside, a dome house they built out in the country where the grandkids loved to climb the huge boulders on the hill. Janet also joined in on trips to the beach where she played on the surf right alongside her grandchildren. In 2007 following the death of her husband, she moved to Countryside Retirement Community in Stokesdale where she lived the rest of her life. She made new friends during her years there and continued to enjoy visits from family and old friends from Kershaw. 

Janet is survived by four children Paul B. Smith Jr. (wife Marti) of Pe Ell, WA, J. Russell Smith, of Greensboro, NC, Margaret G. Helsel (husband Rich) of Greensboro, NC, and David R. Smith (wife Bonita) of High Point, NC. Also survived by seven grandchildren Aaron Smith, Joel Smith, C. Scott Smith, Drew Smith (wife Samira), Rachel Fischer, Dan Smith (wife Katherine), and Julia Ross; four great-grandchildren Isaac Fischer, Lili Smith, Emmy Smith and Ethan Fischer; and two brothers Elliott M. Giffen (wife Joanne) and George H. Giffen.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 12:00 noon at Kershaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 201 North Cleveland Street, Kershaw, S.C. 29067 formerly known as First Presbyterian Church. Rev. Bryant D. Fersner will officiate.

A private family burial will precede the service in the Beaver Creek Cemetery, Kershaw, S.C. She will be laid to rest next to her husband.

The family will hold a reception and greet friends following the service in the church Fellowship Hall.

Arrangements are under the care of Baker Funeral Home, Kershaw, S.C.