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Jayne Smith Obituary
Born in New York City on March 16, 1932, Jayne was the youngest child of John and Alice Bizzelle. Always an avid learner, high achiever and athlete, Jayne graduated from Trinity College in Washington, D.C. She later completed her graduate studies at Manhattanville College in New York, pursuing her lifetime passion for history. In between, Jayne married Michael vonP. Smith and together they raised four children, Joanalys B. Smith of Austin, Texas, Andrew C. Smith of Atlanta, Ga., Douglas C. Smith of Houston, Texas, and Alexander T. Smith, also of Atlanta, Ga. Jayne's love of her children may have only been surpassed by the constant vigil she maintained over her eight grandchildren, Jennifer, Ian, Michael, Josh, Jackson, Marie, Thompson and Cade Jayne. Jayne was a guiding light in their lives, one who never let the facts stand in the way of a story she told as a lesson for their lives.
Jayne will always be remembered for her friendship and the relationships she maintained across decades and vast geographic distance. She was always there to help a friend and when she caught up with one after a long absence, it was as though they had spoken just the day before. Jayne had a passion for travel and her home is a gallery of the many places she has been. She loved the shore, frequently returning to the beaches she loved even after her health had started to decline.
When she was not influencing the lives of friends and family, she enriched and encouraged the students she taught at Westfield Senior High in Westfield, N.J., Peninsula Catholic High and Gloucester High School. A day did not go by that Jayne would not go the extra mile to quench the thirst for learning, help with college admissions or counsel a student to sort out their path in this life. She treasured their visits after graduation and the chance meetings when she learned of, and celebrated in, their success.
A service to celebrate Jayne's life will be held at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, 2009, at Weymouth Funeral Home, 12746 Nettles Dr., Newport News, VA. Afterwards the family will receive friends. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
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Memories and Condolences
for Jayne Smith
Sponsored by Jack Morrissey, Student of Jayne Smith, Class of 1985, Peninsula Catholic High School.
Ashley Strobridge
December 17, 2009
Jayne Smith's classroom was the best place in Gloucester High to find true freedom of mind and spirit. She encouraged us to think for ourselves, yet was always there to listen and guide us when it looked like the road was becoming rocky. She was a beautiful person who had a magnificent soul and I will miss her dearly. My condolences to her loving family.
Gary Perez
November 26, 2009
Condolences to her family. Only the fondest memories of Jayne Smith. Took her government course, and shan't forget. With the command of our imaginations and her ability to level with us on a personal level, Jayne is cherished in my memory. The stories she shared of her with her children were the ones that sealed her in my heart as one who lived life to the fullest and with humility.
November 21, 2009
Andy, Alex, Doug and Joanalys, We are very sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We know that she will be greatly missed.
Bob and Judy Ott (Marietta, GA)
November 21, 2009
Dear Doug, Andrew, Joanalys and Alec,
This is really a "Dear Jayne" letter for your mother was a dear friend, an excellent teacher, and surely a blessing to her children and grandchildren of whom she was so justifiably proud.
I treasure memories of the mini road trips and brunches shared with Glenn Voegelin, Joe Levy, and Lisa. That saucy triumverate would have me roaring with laughter no matter how challenging the times.
She brought that same wit and intelligence to her teaching which was a calling as well as a profession. Everytime her fortunate students tell a "Smith Story"--and they will--she will live again in the exhortation to be informed, aware, and generous in nature.
Jayne was a blessing to the students of Peninsula Catholic High School and Gloucester High School and to the Barneyback family.
We, Steve, Katie, Janet and Hunter, are grateful to have known her.
You are in our prayers,
The Barneybacks
Lyn Cohen
November 20, 2009
Dear Alex, Andy, Doug and JB,
Thinking of you and hoping the family and friends surrounding you now are comforting you through the loss of your mom.
I'm moved by the letters here and what an outstanding person she was. Having only met your mom twice, I was not fortunate enough to know her well. However, through that short introduction and the stories provided here, it's easy to see her character in each of you. She lives on in your hearts, memories, as well as you and your children.
Brenda Flahault
November 20, 2009
Dear Alex, Andrew, Doug and JB,
I was so saddened and shocked to hear when Linda called that your mom had passed. As you know, our Westfield gang of teachers spent many, many happy times with your mom and you in the 70’s. When she left the area, I was happy for her but saddened that she would not be here any longer to share good times. Jayne had an amazing positive impact on my life, and now I wish I had told her that because I don’t think she realized what an important and inspirational force she had been to me, only because helping people was just natural to her.
She was so generous; your home was always open to us, and she would spontaneously ask us, in the faculty room, to come over for dinner that very evening. She then would produce a delicious gourmet meal in a flash for a large group. I learned lots of great cooking tips from her.
Shopping trips were a riot; we would look at things together and while I was agonizing over a decision, she firmly but humorously would say, “you have 15 minutes; I’ll meet you back here.” The system worked.
We spent many wonderful days on the Vineyard, swimming, shopping, dining in and out, and exploring the area. Those were very special relaxing times during summer vacations for which I always will be grateful.
Most importantly, Jayne taught me there were many aspects and choices in life to discover and pursue. I was quiet, shy, and lacking confidence. Your mom’s free-thinking, laid back outlook helped me to explore new ideas, new experiences, and to do things that I had been afraid to do and to entertain thoughts that I would never even have considered, many of which I cannot mention here, but you know what I mean. Her kindness and encouragement helped the “late bloomer” to blossom.
I have missed your mom’s friendship due to geographical distances, but she will always be in my thoughts. Writing this has produced tears and regrets that I have not seen Jayne in years, but please know that she will always be a part of me as one of the most inspirational influences on my life.
May she rest in peace, and may time and good memories ease your loss. I know she is very proud of all of you and your children.
Love,
Brenda (Flahault) and Hal (Casey) too
Kim Jones
November 20, 2009
I was fortunate to me Jane when she walked in the Haircuttery , and has enjoyed talking with her everytime she visited. You will be greatly missed
Trey
November 20, 2009
A teacher I will never forgot, her family should be very proud of her life.
Donald Sandridge
November 20, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are extended to the entire Smith Family. Jane was one of those rare people who knew what it was to be a " True Educator" in
everyway, whether for a student or collegue, she was there to help! I value the time we shared as collegues at Gloucester High School. She will be greatly missed but always remembered!
Fondly, Don Sandridge, G.H.S. Choral Director (Retired)
Sara Intriligator
November 20, 2009
Jayne,
I have always loved you.
November 19, 2009
To Joanalys, Doug, Alex and Andy
I have only known your mom for about 6 years. In that time she has become a fast friend and you all are so special to have had a mom like Jayne. She loved all of you !
Bruce
Tem Marshall
November 19, 2009
My prayer are with the family and friends of Ms. Smith.
Kristi Redcross
November 19, 2009
Mrs. Jayne Smith was one of my favorite teachers that I had in the 9th grade at Gloucester HS back in 1985-86. I loved her sense of humor, her wit, her sarcasm, her intelligence, but most of all what a hell of a woman she was! She was not just a teacher, but a great friend to me and my twin sister, Tiffany. I will remember her always...:)
Karen (Roach)Gibson
November 19, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Ms. Smith. She was a teacher who inspired me and many others. She will be missed. I was fortunate enough to have her for two classes at Gloucester High. You will be with me forever. Thank you for the time and inspiration you have given to all you taught!
Ted Prindle
November 19, 2009
I'm a friend of one of Jayne's sons - Andy. It is a credit to Jayne for raising such a fine son as Andy. I feel for his (and his family's) sorrow. Jayne is in the Father's house - God Bless
Matt Maples
November 19, 2009
Ms. Smith was a wonderful teacher, and I feel very fortunate to have gone to Gloucester High while she was there. Everything I know about the electoral college, I owe to her.
I was also taught for two years by Mr. Voegelin, which means I was treated to her frequent and hilarious interruptions of his class. She was a brilliant woman and a joy to be around.
Cheryl (Bass) LeMasters
November 19, 2009
What a beautiful obituary! Ms.Smith was more than a teacher, she was an inspiration!
Brian Thomas
November 19, 2009
I did yard work for Mrs. Smith from about the time I was thirteen till I was I close to seventeen. Even after I stopped doing her yard it was always a treat to stop by and talk to her. We could talk for hours and many times we did. My parents often would call to see where I was. I am now 20 and am a sophmore in college at Bridgewater College, I remember when she read my essay for my application to Va. Tech. She even bought me a VT sweat shirt to wear on my acceptance day. She believed in me so much. Even with not getting in she still pushed me to never give up my dreams even when I hit some really hard classes. I was really looking forward to seeing her over Thanksgiving and catching up. She was such a great friend to me and mentor. I will always remember that the best PB&J's are made with grape jelly. She always said that.
We sure had some great times and I will be the better for them.
Marti Bryant
November 19, 2009
My condolences to the Smith family, Mrs. Smith was one of my favorite teachers in high school. We still talk about the stories she told us. She was a great woman & will be missed.
Susannah Hall Hogge
November 19, 2009
Mrs. Smith taught me at Gloucester High School. She was a wonderful teach who really made you think. She was the first teacher who impressed upon me that there is always more than one side to a story. We would discuss a story currently in the news and she would give us additional background from history that gave you a slightly different perscpective than that presented by the media.
I know I am just one of many lives touched by her.
Max Milien
November 19, 2009
Ms.Smith was an inspiration to all of us at PCHS. It was truly an honor and a privilege to have to met you.
Coleman Ward
November 19, 2009
I was fortunate enough to have Mrs Smith as my teacher at Gloucester High School. What a wonderful year we had! Her humor and love of teaching made us all glad to be her students. Amazing that after all the years and all of the students, she somehow remembers us. The company I work for began services for her in recent years, and I have enjoyed reminiscing with her about events from my high school years. She will be missed by many!
Robin Smith Rowland
November 19, 2009
Mrs. Smith was one of those teachers who you look back at your time in school and realize that they touched your lives and your education in a way that you'll never forget. She inspired me to try and learn a subject which at the time I found boring. Doing homework with my children today, I find myself reliving stories from Mrs. Smith's classes and passing them along to my children. I am sorry to hear of her passing, and feel for the children who won't get to have her in class. She will be missed.
Hope Owens
November 19, 2009
Ms.Smith,
What an awesome teacher. You touched so many lives. The way you taught class made me look forward to coming everyday and wishing the class period would not end. Many laughs you have given me. Thank You for what you have given me in life. I am sure you are still teaching and telling stories in heaven. RIP..
former GHS student
Maggie Getzinger Douglas
November 19, 2009
I was a student at Peninsula Catholic and Ms. Smith's class is one of my fondest memories. For someone who doesn't care for History or Govnt. she made the class fun and enjoyable in a way that made a student want to learn. Her wit and humor was the best part. I remember one cold winter day when the school didn't have heat working, we went into class and she was wearing this puffy winter coat. We sat down and in her witty way, she said it was too cold to teach, we shoud read or talk amongst ourselves! That's just the way she was.
She will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
Tiffany Redcross
November 19, 2009
I was in Ms. Smith's World History class at Gloucester High in the 80's. What a wonderful woman, teacher and friend! I will certainly miss her!
Dana Boscana
November 18, 2009
Ms. Smith was a wonderful teacher in that her love of history was infectious! She taught through her humor and spread her passion of history with all of her wonderful stories. My love of history all started with her in World History class at GHS! She will be remembered always for her tremendous spirit. I would be lucky to have half the influence in my teaching career as she did in hers! We will miss u, Ms. Smith!!!!
Dareyl Plue
November 18, 2009
I learned many things from my teachers, but the one thing I am glad I learned was from Mrs. Smith. She taught me the skill of critical thinking. Using her sarcasm in government class, she would read articles about current events in the government and taught us that we should not take things at face value. Everything has a story behind it including the people writing the story. I always read with those ideas in mind. Thank you for teaching me such a valuable skill. We will miss you.
Sherwood Bowditch
November 18, 2009
I am thinking of the stories she told about her children in class. My favorite was the time two of them acted like they were holding an imaginary cable across the road. I good joke, except to the cop that brought them home looking for a little support in punishing them. Ms. Smith wanted to know what the charge was for holding an imaginary cable.
She seemed to have a special brand of sarcasm for those of us who she knew were giving a half hearted effort. Wonder how many of she got living up to our potential.
Nancy Dwoyer
November 18, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of her death and I know all of grandchildren will miss her stories and I will miss one last trip to Europe. I went with Jayne on three trips to Europe with the Gloucester group. She and Ms. Ivey were always so much fun and they kept all the students in line. She even made one the students carry my way to heavy bag and didn't even make fun of me for bringing so much stuff! The students all respected her and she treated them with respect.
Lisa
November 18, 2009
Ms. Jayne was a wonderful neighbor. She always inquired as to how my children were doing in school as well as their plans for continuing their education. I will miss the chats we had in the yard.
Denise Anderson Sughrue
November 18, 2009
I was a student at Penninsula Catholic and can only say that I loved Government with Ms. Smith. It was brought to life by her sarcasm and quick wit - which I wouldn't trade for the world! I learned alot from her and will keep her and her family in my prayers!
Russ Giles
November 18, 2009
I'm so sorry to hear about Ms. Smith, she was wonderful at PCHS. Our thoughts go out to the family.
Jack Morrissey
November 18, 2009
Dear Jayne,
What sad days for the rest of us, left with our memories of you and moments shared. You were a shining star in my school years and your wise perspective affected me profoudly, and so much more than any trivial information imparted in that time.
I'm glad to have seen you at the reunion four years ago, but do regret now that we didn't talk longer. I hope that we encounter each other again.
If I had a friend
All on this earth
You’ve been a friend to me.
robert roadarmel
November 18, 2009
my family resided in village green for years. we still remember the candyman and that is how we met jayne. she will be missed greatly. all our best in your time of sorrow and remembering.
Laura Holtry-Hughes
November 18, 2009
I will never forget the history and life lessons I learned in your class decades ago. Your lessons continued to touch me long after I left GHS and started my own teaching career. Your wisdom, wit, and empathy will be missed. Thank you for your influence, JB.
Mary
November 18, 2009
I'm so sorry for the loss of Ms. Jayne Smith. She was a fantastic teacher and a wonderful person. She helped me in ways that went beyond teaching history. I will always remember her and her fun stories and her wonderful personality. She will truly be missed. R.I.P. Ms. Smith.
Rachel
November 18, 2009
Goodbye, JB. You were one of the most influential teachers I ever had. It is amazing how many lives you have touched in such significant ways. Facebook is aglow with all of our fond memories of you and the many lessons we learned. I hope there are a lot of lemon drops waiting for you in heaven :)
Susan Gardner
November 18, 2009
I am sorry for your loss. I got to know Jayne in two manners. First as one of her students at Peninsula Catholic and then as a collegue when I started to teach at Gloucester High. As one of her students she was a teacher I always remember. I really loved her class, And as mentioned when I started working with her she also remembered me. She was a great person to know
Susan Gardner
November 18, 2009
Godspeed,Jayne..you are with me always in our wonderful shared adventures, at work and play. Your listening ear and counsel enriched my life beyond measure. Family, your mother and grandmother helped so many people in so many ways. She was a quiet hero.
Love, Merle and Dennis Ivey
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