Jan Horton Smith

A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Jan Horton Smith, 84, of Anniston, will be held on Monday, August 18, 2025, at 12:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Oxford. Rev. Stan Albright will be officiating. All in attendance are invited to a reception immediately following the service for a time of fellowship with Jan's family.
Private entombment for Jan was held in the mausoleum of Forestlawn Gardens prior to her service.
Jan left this walk of life, meeting her Lord and Savior face to face on Friday, August 15, 2025.
Preceding Jan in death include her parents, Wiley Horton and Grace "Nanny" Kimbrel Horton; her husband of 32 years, Kint Merle Smith; and her faithful companion, "Pepe".
Those left to cherish the memory of Jan include her three children, Jennifer Smith, DC (fiancé, Christopher Topel, DC), of Chattanooga, Tenn., Sharon McClellan (David), of St. Simons Island, Geor., David Smith (Rachel), of Ft. Wayne, Ind.; her "plus one" daughter, Nikki Christian (David) of Anniston; grandchildren, Cameron and Gracie McClellan, of St. Simons Island, Geor., Justin Smith (Katie), Skylar Smith (Jess), Zach Smith and Eli Smith, all of Ft. Wayne, Ind., and Hannah and Maren Christian, both of Anniston; five great-grandchildren, all of Indiana; her sister, Joyce Ackley of Lakeland, Fla.; and her niece, Tina Ackley (Pam) of Hampton,Virg.
Jan graduated from Etowah Highschool in 1959 and married the love of her life, Kint Merle Smith, in 1961. Together they owned and operated Smith Brothers Tomatoes for 30 years. In addition, Jan owned and operated a business of her own for 30 years, The Keeping Room in DeArmanville. She and her husband worked alongside each other daily prior to Kint's death. During Kint's bout of illness, Jan continued to be an amazing caregiver. She often quoted Lamentations 3:22 (ESV), "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercies are fresh everyday". Although Jan's life was not always easy, she never wavered in her faith and joy. She was a dedicated caregiver, providing a happy and lively home for her family, including her mother, Grace. To know Jan, one could whole-heartedly agree she had a true gift of hospitality and truly lived by the scripture Hebrews 13:2 (ESV), "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Jan loved nothing more than entertaining others and opening them to all.
Jan lived her entire life in Alabama, residing within 60 miles of her birthplace. Her friendships ran far and wide. Of those she met many would call Jan their "best friend".
Jan's family had one common denominator: their shared love for their adored "Janee" (JAN--EE). One might describe her as a woman who was knowledgeable of the world, well read, holistic, a lover of plants and animals and a faithful Christian. Jan was also well traveled and visited countless destinations in and out of the US. She was an avid Alabama fan.
In her later years, Jan's greatest joy was grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She often communicated with them via phone calls, FaceTime, Apple watch, or text messaging.
Jan had a full life that was blessed by God. She was truly the matriarch of an extended faith-family. Jan was one-of-a-kind and all who knew her were fortunate to be able to call her their own.
Flowers will be accepted, or donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Oxford (Chapel Restoration), 95 E Oak Street, Oxford, AL 36203.