Jean H. Smith died on February 21, 2021 in Greenville, South Carolina. 

(The following was published by the Spartanburg Herald-Journal on February 24, 2021)

Jean Hodge Smith, widow of Talmadge Dewitt Smith, Jr., passed away February 21, 2021. Mrs. Smith was the daughter of the late Claude Hodge and Thelma Harrold Hodge; born in Pacolet Mills, Spartanburg County, SC.

She was a graduate of Pacolet High School and Cecil’s Business College, Spartanburg. As a youth woman she was actively involved in church, community activities, and scouting. These interests and many more carried over into her adult life. Following her marriage in 1948, her secretarial skills served her well in her moves with her husband. She held secretarial positions with the following: Milliken, Inc., Arthur State Bank, Commercial National Bank, County Superintendent of Education-Williamsburg County, Alumni Secretary, Bowdoin College, ME, Carruth Furniture Company, Landrum, retiring as secretary of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Greenville, SC. While in Kingstree, SC, she worked for a period for Bernard Baruch at his Little Hobcaw residence in Indiantown, SC.

As a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Greenville, she was active in many phases of the church including: Administrative Board, Long Range Planning, and Nominating Committees, the Chancel Choir, secretary of the Older Adult Ministry and Church Membership for twenty-three years. She was a past president of United Methodist Women and twice honored with a Special Pastor Parish Relations’ Committee Recognition. She was a member of the Susanna Wesley Circle and served three tenures as a chairperson and was past president of the Christian Fellowship Sunday School Class. She was also a delegate to the SC United Methodist Annual Conference.

Mrs. Smith was actively involved in community affairs having served as president and charter member of the Merrifield Park Garden Club, member of the Foxcroft Garden Club and a former member of the Greenville Garden Council. She and her husband were also members of the Merrifield Community Club and former members of Fox Run Country Club. Friends will remember her for her love of music, gardening, and service to others. Her strong faith and devotion to her family were always at the forefront of her life.

Mrs. Smith was predeceased by siblings, Olin T. Hodge, Jimmy Hodge, and Minnie Lou Pace. She is survived by many loving and devoted nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews. She was blest to have lots of wonderful friends and neighbors. She loved her family, church and church family.