WILMA JEAN (HOWARD) SMITH

Wilma Jean (Howard) Smith passed away on May 29, 2020, at Carriage Court Memory Care in Washington Court House, Ohio.

Jean was born on September 19, 1930, in Portsmouth, Ohio to Brady and Anna Cornett Howard. She lived the vast majority of her life in Washington Court House and resided on South Main Street with her husband, Richard “Dick” Smith, until they both relocated to Carriage Court.  Richard died in 2016 and Jean had been lovingly assisted in Memory Care since that date.

Jean was known for her dedication to family and love for the changing of seasons.  Her spotless home was a place of true joy for her.  From her days as a high school cheerleader and homecoming queen to her last hours on Main Street, she always greatly enjoyed the company of others and the presence of friends and family.

Fond memories of her sisters, Margie Alkire, Kate Mustine, and Janet Davis were always with her.  Those same memories extended to her many nieces and nephews.

Jean is survived by her son, Dr. James Smith of Ypsilanti, Michigan and her daughter-in-law, Dr. Connie Ruhl-Smith, of Ypsilanti as well. While Jean never saw Eastern Michigan University, where Jim and Connie are the “first couple”, she loved to hear stories about the university and enjoyed knowing of the sports successes made by various university athletes and their specific teams.

A small private ceremony will be held with family only.  A larger gathering will be held at a later date as the pandemic passes.

The family requests no flowers but gifts of remembrance may be given to the First Baptist Church, 301 East East Street, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160; the Eastern Michigan University Foundation, 12 Welch Hall, 850 West Cross Street, Ypsilanti, MI 48199 or the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House.

www.kirkpatrickfuneralhome