Opal Janell Smith

Opal Janell Smith, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on December 30, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. She was born on April 18, 1948, in Kentucky and lived a life defined by hard work, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Janell grew up in West Virginia as one of nine children, where she learned early the importance of family, responsibility, and looking out for others. After graduating from high school in West Virginia, she moved to the Washington, D.C. area to begin her professional career.

Janell spent her entire working life in service to the United States government, proudly working as an Executive Assistant Secretary with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Known for her exceptional word processing and organizational skills, strong work ethic, and keen attention to detail, she always took great pride in her work. Janell was dependable, hardworking, and deeply respected for her professionalism and dedication.

While living and working in Washington, D.C., she met the love of her life, Albert Wayne Smith Jr. They were married there and later made their home in Maryland, where they lived from 1968 until 1982 before relocating to Texas. Janell remained devoted to her husband throughout their life together and later became his caregiver, serving him with compassion, strength, and a true servant's heart.

Family meant everything to Janell. She was always watching out for those she loved and was known for her generosity and giving spirit. Many remember her fondly for her famous "$100 handshakes," a quiet and meaningful way she showed love and support to others. Janell had an watchful eye for her loved ones and paid close attention to details, whether in her work, her home, or caring for her family.

She loved to travel, especially trips to Hawaii, Dominican Republic and Las Vegas, where she proudly earned the title "queen of the slots." Janell also enjoyed shopping for others, dining out, and sharing time with those she loved most. She was a caregiver by nature, deeply loyal, and endlessly supportive.

Janell was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Albert Wayne Smith Jr.; her parents, Ernest McCoy and Eula McCoy; and her brothers, Jimmy McCoy, David McCoy, Paul McCoy, and Allen McCoy.

She is survived by her son, Steven Smith and his wife Shauna, and their daughters Sydney and Sophie, of Aledo; her daughter, Lori Michelle Smith-Bridges and her husband Justin Bridges, of Arlington; her brothers Jack Arnold and Raymond McCoy; her sisters Vicki Hofmeister, Jay Donatone; her sister-in-law Dianne Crilley; her sister-in-law Lorena McCoy; and many extended family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Wade Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.

Opal Janell Smith will be remembered for her steadfast love, her generous heart, her devotion to family, and a life quietly lived in service to others.