Janet Smith

Janet Smith, longtime resident of Gonzales, Texas, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 19, 2026. She lived a life defined by faith, service, education, and deep devotion to family.

Janet was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on March 2, 1933 to Oliver and Ozell Mosley Laurence, and moved to Gonzales at age 7, where she developed the steady, practical values that shaped her life. She later graduated from Texas State College, an accomplishment she carried with pride and put into daily use through a career in teaching. Janet taught third grade at North Avenue Elementary, where she was known for the kind of patience, structure, and care that make a lasting impact on children and families.

A dedicated member of the Presbyterian Church in Gonzales, Janet was a consistent presence in church life and served as a Sunday school teacher, helping guide and teach others over the years. She believed in showing up, doing the work, and supporting her community-quietly and faithfully. She was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), reflecting her respect for history and tradition. Janet had written a historical documentation of the Joseph Boothe Society for the Thomas Shelton Daughters of the American Revolution from 1957 – 2005, all before she could search for information on a computer.

Janet was married to Lynn Smith Jr. Together, they built a home centered on family, responsibility, and faith. She loved providing for her family, whether through day-to-day care, steady support, or the thoughtful details that made people feel loved.

One of Janet's most enduring contributions was her work documenting the past: she wrote a Presbyterian church history book, which is now preserved in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. Her commitment to recording and honoring history ensures her work will remain available for future generations.

Janet is survived by her daughters, Lynnette Cooper and Loy Smith; her grandchildren, Nicole Cooper and Slade Cooper (Courtney); and her great-grandchildren, Davis Cooper and Nash Cooper. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents.

A graveside service will be held at 10 am, Friday, February 27, 2026 in the I.O.O.F. (Odd Fellows) Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at 11 am, Friday, February 27, 2026 in the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Ryan Gaffney officiating. Pallbearers include Cookie Cooper, Dr. Bruce McKee, Mark Ince, Slade Cooper, Chris Neubauer, and Jason Breitschopf. Honorary pallbearers: Larry Mercer, Dr. Terry Eska, JoJo Nanez, Richard Shelton, Bradley Baker, Dale Whiddon, Danny DeRoches and George Reese. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Children's School.

Friends may leave their condolences to the family by visiting www.seydlerhillfuneralhome.com. Services are under the care and direction of Seydler-Hill Funeral Home.