A warm and spirited individual passed on from this world on January 13, 2021.

Born on August 31, 1941, Janice loved the natural world around her. She seldom returned from a walk or hike without some found treasure – pinecones, rocks, shells, feathers, autumn leaves and wildflowers were her favorites. She often filled her pockets as she returned home to add to her collections.

Happiest on the river, the lake, or at the beach, surrounded by family and friends – she was always ready for a new adventure.

There was always a new plant growing in her kitchen window or out back in her garden. As an avid reader, she appreciated literature and had stacks of books on her bedside table waiting in line to be read.

Her admitted, “unnatural affection for butter” was legendary. Which made every occasion for slathering it on fresh bread, hot biscuits and cornbread special. Those lucky enough to be a part of any meal in her Springfield, Missouri home have many fond memories of the fabulous meals she prepared and served to family and friends.

She was married to the love of her life, David Smoot for 50 years until his passing in 2011. And is survived by her sisters Helen and Lynna, her children and their spouses Stacye & Bill, Bailey & Jennifer, Jason & Sally and grandsons, Mason & Sawyer.

She will be dearly remembered by her close friends in Springfield and Ozark and the many memories made throughout the years of friendship.

She was dedicated to her work at Smith-Glynn Calloway Clinic (now Mercy) for 22 years, retiring in 2001.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the staff at Ozark Nursing and Care Center and Compassus Hospice who took wonderful care of her as the Alzheimer’s progressed. Our family is forever grateful.

No service is planned at this time. A small family gathering will take place later this year when it is safe to do so.

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org

or

Springfield Nature Center – https://mochf.org/donate-online/ (use the drop-down menu to select Springfield Nature Center)

Janice would want us to remember the good times and celebrate the life we have before us. Cheers to Jimmie Janice!

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.”
― Henry David Thoreau, Walden