Wilma Jean Smith

Wilma Jean Smith obituary, Ripley, WV

Wilma Jean Smith

Wilma Smith Obituary

Visit the Waybright Funeral Home website to view the full obituary.

Jeannie Smith (Milam), 67, of Ripley, West Virginia, passed away peacefully in her home on March 13,2026. 

She was born in Charleston, West Virginia, and was a proud graduate of Ripley High School. Jeannie was the beloved wife of Bill Smith, with whom she shared 43 devoted years of marriage. She was a wonderful mother to Justin Smith and Sierra Cossin, and a proud and loving grandmother to Addyson, Brantley, and Calla Cossin, and Garrett Smith. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She was the youngest “the baby” of 2 brothers and 5 sisters. She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Marie Milam, as well as her brother, Shelby Milam, and sister, Margaret Haynes. 

Jeannie devoted many years of her life to being a loving stay-at-home mother, raising her children and caring for her family, which she considered her greatest role. At the age of 50, she returned to school and pursued a new calling, becoming a respiratory therapist at Roane General Hospital, a true testament to her determination and strong spirit. Jeannie loved the outdoors more than anywhere else. She especially enjoyed tending to her flower beds and garden, fishing, beach trips, kayaking, and side-by-side adventures with her best friends. She loved anything that involved a little friendly competition—because if there was a game to be played, she was determined to win. 

Those who knew Jeannie knew her as a kind, generous soul. She had a way of making everyone feel welcome and loved. To know her was truly to love her. Jeannie attended Allens Fork Community Church, and her family is grateful for her salvation. In accordance with Jeannie’s wishes, there will be no formal services. A private Celebration of Life will be held. Flowers or momentos may be sent to the family. Her love will live on in the flowers she planted, the memories she created, and in the hearts of the family who were blessed to call her wife, mom, and grandma. Online memoires and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.waybrightfuneralhome.com

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

Waybright Funeral Home

511 S. Church St., Ripley, WV 25271

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