W Jean Smith Obituary (1923 - 2015)

W. Jean Smith 91, of Argenta, IL passed away at 9:45 p.m., February 2, 2015 in Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur. A service to celebrate Jean's life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, February 6, 2015, at Dawson & Wikoff North Chapel. Burial will be in the Goose Creek Township Cemetery, De Land , IL. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation Thursday evening from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Argenta United Methodist Church. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.dawson-wikoff.com. Jean was born February 20, 1923, in Oakley, IL the daughter of Edward and Dorothy V. (Cook) Blair. She was a retired operator from the Illinois Bell Telephone Company after thirty five years of service. She married Elmer Wilson on April 19, 1958. He preceded her in death in 1988. She then married Everett L. Smith on May 2, 1993. He preceded her in death in 2010. Jean was a member of the Argenta United Methodist Church, a long time member the Telephone Pioneers, the Craig-Reed American Legion Auxiliary in Cisco, IL and a former member of the Decatur Chapter of Delphi. Jean enjoyed many activities throughout her life. She baked and decorated birthday and wedding cakes for many friends and family. She loved to travel and took trips to Mardi Gras, New York, Florida, and the Smokey Mountains. She also traveled to Colorado many times and stayed at the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park as well as the BroadMoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. Jean also enjoyed gardening, bird watching, reading, puzzles, knitting and genealogy research. Surviving are her daughter: Robin Otero and her husband Ron of Littleton, CO; step-sons: Kenneth Smith of Decatur, Corwin Smith of Decatur, Morrie Smith and his wife Janet of Boody, and Scott Smith of Decatur; brother: Floyd "Bud" Blair and his wife Jean of Oakley and Lee Blair and his wife Pat of Decatur; step-grandchildren: Colin Otero, Michelle Thomas, Tina Grandfield, Todd Smith and Nicole Crowley; twelve step great grandchildren, one step great-great grandson, and many beloved nieces and nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her husbands, parents, son: Ronnie V. Hirstein, sister: Virginia "Teeny" Conley.and her brother: Stanley "Mickey" Blair. The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Dr. Susn Klein, SIU Family Physicians, Fair Havens Nursing Home and DMH 4th Floor Nursing Staff and nurse: Stephanie for all their care and compassion.