Jan left this earth for heaven on April 10th, 2024, receiving the warmest welcome into the arms of

her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and the loving embrace of her parents, Rev. J.R. Smith and

Mrs. Goldie Ellen (Hoffpaiur) Smith, who preceded her there.

Jan leaves behind her second mother, Mrs. Roberta Smith of OKC, who came into her life

following the passing of her mother. She also is survived by new brother Jim Smith, nephew Ben

Crawford, nieces Tawny Benson and Tosha Mittlestadt, great-nieces and -nephews, and many

loving, caring friends. She was preceded in death by her sister, Debbie Linn.

Her early years were shaped by her father's ministry in the Church of the Nazarene in Fort Scott

and Parsons, Kansas. She went on to graduate from Mid-America Nazarene College, (now

University) in Olathe, Kansas, majoring in Music Education. She later completed a Master's in

Education from SWOSU in Weatherford.

She praised her professors for the excellent preparation they provided her, and she thrived in

MNU's Christian college environment. Jan sang in the choirs of MNU, the Olathe Nazarene

College Church, and the Canterbury Choral Society of OKC.

Jan was a teacher's teacher. As soon as she graduated, she began a life-long career as an

Oklahoma public school choral director, first in Shattuck, then in the Yukon and Edmond

districts in the greater OKC area. She was an adjunct Music Methods instructor at Oklahoma

Christian University and Southern Nazarene University for some years.

Her membership in professional organizations included Oklahoma Choral Directors Association,

Oklahoma Music Educators Association, and Central Oklahoma Choral Directors Association,

as well as their national affiliates. Jan was frequently asked to judge music performance contests

in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. She was invited to conduct various regional honor choirs

throughout her career, and she enjoyed working with them as much as they enjoyed having her.

Her own choirs and soloists consistently excelled in competition. Jan modestly attributed that

success to her students rather than to her own gifts as a music educator. Her expertise as a pianist

allowed her to accompany her choirs and soloists as well.

Jan influenced literally thousands of students with her professionalism and high standards of

educational excellence. Her affectionate devotion to them, along with her own exemplary life,

changed their lives for the better. Many went on to successful careers in music.

At every stage of her life, Jan made lifelong friends. When she was unable to attend an MNU

alumni event in October, a friend spoke on her behalf. Afterward, a long line of well-wishers

formed to send Jan their good wishes.

Her Oklahoma friends from both her choral family and her Bethany First Church of the Nazarene

community were incredibly supportive during her medical challenges. She often spoke of her

gratitude for their help with appointments, chemotherapy treatments, deliveries, and much more,

especially during COVID. Special thanks go to Robyn Bryan, Ron Wallace, Janis Dawson,

Stephanie Keegan-Moring, and Kelli Keegan-Moring for their loving care.

Jan's medical team was extraordinary. She was blessed to have outstanding doctors and nurses

who were tireless in adapting treatment to her specific needs. They were God's tools and angels

on earth.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, May 28 at Bethany First Church of the Nazarene, 6789 NW 39th Expressway, Bethany, OK.  The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed on this obituary page.

SSM Health St. Anthony Foundation

Designation: Cancer Institute

In Memory of: Janet A. Smith