Janice Jan Smith

Janice Reesor Smith, age 87, of Somerset, a devoted Christian, mother, teacher and cherished friend to many, passed away Sunday morning, November 10, 2024 after a lengthy illness.

She shared the gift of music to thousands of students throughout a career that spanned nearly forty years at numerous schools in the Pulaski County and Somerset school systems including: Eubank, Dunbar, Fourth Ward, Parker, Memorial and Hopkins Elementary.

She attended Knapp Hall and Berea Foundation School before graduating from Berea College. She completed post-graduate degrees at Peabody College and Eastern Kentucky University.

After her retirement, she enjoyed traveling which took her around the world to Europe, Asia, and Africa.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Somerset and sang in the church choir. In addition, she conducted church services for women at the Pulaski County Detention Center for many years. She shared the love and message of Jesus Christ with many during their time of incarceration.

Jan was born in Paducah, Kentucky on July 4, 1937 and was proud to celebrate her patriotism all 365 days of each year. She was the daughter of Charles and Laura Reesor. She is survived by a brother, Thomas Reesor (and Linda) of Knoxville, Tennessee.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth A. Smith, Sr., whom she married on July 14, 1963 at Phelps Stokes Chapel in Berea, Kentucky.

Three sons were blessed to have Jan as their mother: Renny Smith, Shannon Smith (and Amy), and Starling Smith - all of the Somerset area. She had two step sons: Kenneth Smith, Jr. (and Barbara) of London, Kentucky and Stephen Smith (and Wilma) of Maryville, Tennessee.

Jan had a precious granddaughter, Brooklyn Lee Smith, who proceeded her in death; and grandsons Samuel Smith, Elias Smith, Jeremiah Smith, Ryan Smith (and Lindsey), Stephen Smith (and Josimary), Josh Barrett and Logan Smith.

She is also survived by four nieces and one nephew: Debbie Fisher Browning (and Ray) of Somerset; Tracy Fisher Kelley (and Steve) of Oakland, Maryland; Angie Reesor Kirby (and Craig), and Jenny Reesor Jones (and Kevin) all of Knoxville, Tennessee; and Eddie Fisher (and Linda) of Somerset.

Jan is survived by a devoted friend, Lisa Haynes.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, November 13, beginning at 5:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church at 99 South Central Avenue in downtown Somerset.

A funeral service will be officiated by Chris Basil at the church at 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 14.

Burial will take place in the Somerset Cemetery after the funeral service.

The family respectfully asks no flowers nor gifts be sent and that friends and family remember Jan by donating to the charity of their choice.