Janet Smith

Clyde- Janet Marilyn Powell Smith, 75, of Clyde, died Sunday, December 18, 2005 at Hospice Woodside in Pinellas Park, Florida. She was the daughter of the late Walden M. and Althea B. Powell of Meriden, Connecticut, where she was born. She came to Haywood County from Florida over 25 years ago. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Gardinor Powell. A lifelong Episcopalian who sang in choirs for more than 40 years, at the time of her death Mrs. Smith was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Canton, where she had served on the Vestry, sung in the choir, chaired the Pastoral Care Committee, was a member of the Daughters of the King and the Episcopal Church Women, and helped to establish the Good Samaritan Clinic where she served on the Board for a number of years. In 1999 she completed Education For Ministry, a four year program of theological education by extension from the School of Theology Program Center of the University of the South at Sewanee. An unabashed fan of sacred music, in earlier years Mrs. Smith had sung with the choirs of both Trinity Episcopal Church in Asheville and Grace Episcopal Church in Waynesville and was a patron of music and theatrical events in the community. Captivated with the concept of Hospice in the early 80's, Mrs. Smith returned to school at the age of 50, obtained her nursing degree, and went on to be instrumental in bringing Hospice to Haywood County in 1985, where she served for many years as Patient Care Coordinator. Until her illness earlier this year, Mrs. Smith had been a Nurse Consultant with the Haywood County Council on Aging. She helped countless families in the area cope with illness and the loss of a loved one, a mission she embraced. Mrs. Smith is survived by her son, Allen G. Bray of Gatlinburg; her daughter, Jayne A. Bray of Safety Harbor, FL; four beloved grandchildren, Suzanne Olondo of New Orleans, Merideth Montiel of Dade City, Edward Bray of San Juan, PR, and Alexa Bray of Memphis; three great-grandchildren and her many devoted friends. A Memorial Service in celebration of her life will be held at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Canton on Saturday, January 14, 2006, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends will gather afterward in the Fellowship Hall for a reception. Per Mrs. Smith's request, in lieu of flowers memorials may be made in her name to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 99 Academy Street, Canton, NC 28716, to the Haywood County Council on Aging, 205 Hazelwood Avenue, Waynesville, NC 28786 or to Haywood Regional Medical Center Hospice, Home Health Bldg., 560 Leroy George Drive, Clyde, NC 28721.

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