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Jonell Smith Obituary

Jonell Jody Tatum Smith LUBBOCK- On March 30, Jody, 66, of Lubbock, took the hand of Jesus and walked into an eternity of love and peace. She had completed her assignment of glorifying Jesus as a faithful and courageous warrior fighting pancreatic cancer in His strength. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at Oakwood Baptist Church, 6002 Ave. U, Lubbock, with Rev. Marcus Murphy officiating. Arrangements are by Hammons Funeral Home in Littlefield, Texas. Jody was born Sept. 23, 1946 in Big Spring, Texas to Forbes and Nell Vandiver Tatum, who preceded her in death. She grew up in Littlefield, Texas and later graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Library Science. After working at the Arlington Public Library for a few years, she finished her career at the Lubbock Public Library after 20+ years of service. She loved flower arranging and decorating her home, and was a good, true friend to many. She especially enjoyed any time spent with her nieces and nephew as they grew up. Jody was an active, joyful member of Oakwood Baptist Church where she enjoyed worshipping her Savior. Her church family was so faithful in loving her and praying for her during her illness. She received such comfort and peace from her church family. Jody leaves behind her best friend and husband of almost 41 years, Randy Smith; her brother, Gary Tatum and wife Frankie; and her sister, Suzann Tatum Wells. She also leaves nieces, Gaylynn Driver, Jennifer Wells, Lindsay McMahan and Anne Christian, as well as nephew, Mark Tatum. The family gratefully acknowledges the skilled and compassionate care administered by Drs. Robert Wolff and Jeffrey E. Lee of MD Anderson, Drs. Jennifer T. Wells, Scott Celenski, Cedric Spak, Stephanie Houke and Katheryn Shaw and their associates of Baylor Medical Center in Dallas and Dr. Evarado Cobos of University Medical Center of Lubbock. We are especially thankful for all the nurses and nurses aids that attended to us so well.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lubbock Avalanche-Journal on Mar. 31, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Jonell Smith

Not sure what to say?





Doylene Simmons

January 2, 2025

I worked with Jonell in about 1978 at the circulation desk. I loved my time there. I also worked on the Bookmobile, which was a treat.
My sympathy to her family.

April 26, 2013

Randy,
I just heard the news yesterday. I am so sorry for your loss. I know she fought so hard and you both knew every day was a blessing. You're in my thoughts.
Theresa Hatcher
Bentonville, Arkansas

April 26, 2013

Randy,
I just heard the news yesterday. I am so sorry for your loss. She fought so hard and I know you both looked at each day as a blessing. You're in my thoughts.
Theresa Hatcher
Bentonville, Arkansas

Dawna Hamm Walsh

April 10, 2013

Jonell was a dear friend of mine at BU. We moved into our very first apartment together with Janice and Sally. Of the four of us, Jonell was the only one who knew how to cook. She was so organized; she was like our apt. manager. She created a schedule for all of us unmanageable roomies. We all loved her sweet presence, huge smile, big brown eyes, and laughter. She left an indelible beautiful memory in our hearts.

Fran Phillips

April 8, 2013

Randy, Gary and Susy:

I knew JoNell at Baylor and went home with her to Lubbock on one occasion. She was a very special person in my life. I will always remember the beauty of her incredibly big eyes that could see right through you into your heart.

You have my heartfelt sympathy.

April 2, 2013

Suzanne, from the early days in Littlefield, I remember your family well. I now cherish the girl times with you and Jody. My prayerful wish is for you, Randy, Gary and Jody's family to embrace her life that I have heard and read she lived so beautifully. Friend blessings to you. I will lift you in thought in the many days ahead. Your friend of old times, Kathy Clayton Taylor Abilene, TX

Arlene Johnson

April 2, 2013

I will keep your family in my prayers. I'm so sorry for your lost.

Nancy Wilkinson

April 2, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Randy, especially on this day. I pray your heart is more peaceful knowing that your beloved Jody is in the everlasting arms of the Father, and that one day you will be reunited again. Love, prayers and blessings are with you now and all the days to come.

Jana Drane

April 2, 2013

Randy, You are in my thought and prayers today. I am deeply saddened by your loss of Jonell. Keep the faith in the days and weeks ahead.

Joe Jones

April 1, 2013

Randy, I always enjoyed seeing you and Jody and admired your deep love for each other.

April 1, 2013

I worked at the Library for Mrs Smith, many years ago. Thanks for being such a great boss & friend ( she really cared for her employees).
We did not keep in touch , yet I never
forgot this very nice lady.
May you enter heaven, knowing you made
a differnce here on earth.
May you rest in peace
KAL, Abilene TX

Dwight and George Ann Neas

April 1, 2013

Words are so inadequate but Jesus is more than wonderful during such times.

Kathy Barrier

April 1, 2013

Randy, I am so sorry about Jodi. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers

Garey & Linda Smith

April 1, 2013

Randy, We are so sorry for the passing of Jody. She was a wonderful wonderful lady. Our Love and prayers are with you for Gods peace be with you. Love you

Lonnie and Shirley Cape

March 31, 2013

Randy, we are so saddened for your loss.

Linda (Hutto) King

March 31, 2013

I do not remember when I didn't know JoNell. We went to school together and church together. She will be missed by the many people who came in contact with her. She always made you feel like you mattered. Randy, I am praying for you at this time.

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