Wilma Jean Smith

Longtime resident of Shawnee died to be raised by faith in Christ Jesus on September 6, 2018. Wilma Jean Davis Smith was born on September 22, 1927 to Ira A. Davis and Pearl Estelle Young Davis in Bartlesville, OK. Jean's siblings Otha Davis, age 20 and sister, Helen Davis Shipley, age 13 were surprised by their mother' secret. Jean attended Lincoln Elementary until the family moved to a farm in Nowata Co. Jean was active in 4- H Club where she developed lifelong skills in hand crafts, sewing, canning, and concern for community. She played the role of "Becky" in the Wann High School presentation of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Romance bloomed for Jean in the seventh grade when an eighth grader named Phillip Cameron Smith gave her red nail polish for Christmas. Both Jean and Phil graduated from Wann High and were married after Phil returned from service in the Navy during World War II. The couple had two children while living in Coffeyville, Kansas, Phyllis J. and Larry G. Smith. After the family moved to Shawnee, OK they added Steven C. and Roger A. Smith to the family. Shawnee afforded Jean many opportunities to develop her care for community. Jean and Phil joined St. Paul's United Methodist Church in 1952. Jean loved and was dearly loved by this caring congregation. Jean served in many ministries in her church including a Volunteers in Mission trip to Russia to witness her love and faith. Jean was a leader in youth groups at church, Camp Fire Girls, and helped with Boy Scouts activities. She and Phil enjoyed dancing with the Circle Eight Square Dance Club. Jean supported Phil in his favorite charitable work in Optimist International. Jean joined the Chrysanthemum Unit of the Shawnee Council of Garden Clubs. The couple of sixty years enjoyed opening their home for many community, church and family gatherings to celebrate and fellowship. Jean's career in real estate included her own brokerage, Lucky U Reality; teaching at Gordon Cooper Vo-Tech before opening her own school. Jean was active in Shawnee Business & Professional Women serving as President 1992-93 and honored as Woman of the Year. Honors and recognition were not the highlights of Jean's life. The most important event repeated over the last 45 years was The Smith Family Reunion held at Lake Murray July 4th. She loved generations of family, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and she plans to spend eternity enjoying them all. Walker Funeral Service is overseeing the arrangements. The family will be at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 4-7:00 p.m. to visit with friends and family. Memorial services will be held at St. Paul's United Methodist Church at 10th and Beard Street of Shawnee on Thursday, September 13 at 1:30 p.m. Instead of flowers you are encouraged to make donations to St. Paul's United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer's Association.