Jean S. Smith

Jean S. Smith, of Vestavia, passed away December 16, 2019, at the age of 79.  She was born in Ariton, Alabama, on October 7, 1940. She was raised in Detroit, Michigan, and in Albany, Georgia. Jean attended Albany High School and Alabama Polytechnic Institute in Auburn, Alabama. Jean married her high school sweetheart, Dave Smith and they were married for 41 years.

She had three children, David Leon Smith (Cynthia W. Smith), Kathryn Rhea Turner (William M. Turner) and William Gregory Smith (Helen Kathryn Downes). She was blessed with seven grandchildren, Amy Lee Turner, Gregory Taylor Turner, Mary Katherine Smith, David Griffin Smith, William Ferguson Smith, Katherine Stuart Smith and Locklan McBride Smith.

Jean worked with her husband in the golf business where she did the books, and ordered golf apparel and equipment. She also ran Golf Southeastern where they made custom golf clubs, and repaired and finished clubs. After selling Golf Southeastern, she worked at Southtrust Bank, Johnson-Rast and Hayes Real Estate and Remax Real Estate.

Later, Jean met William Kenneth Retherford who was a journalist, a Pulitzer Prize winner and a poet. He was a wonderful, joyful part of Jean’s life. They were together ten years until his unexpected, untimely death. Afterwards, Jean moved into Town Village in Vestavia Hills, Alabama, a senior independent living home. While there she was very active and organized bridge for all of the residents and made it one of the biggest activities available for the residents. She started teaching beginners bridge for those who wanted to learn the game. She also organized “The Bridge Event” which was a once a month event for everyone. Jean was also active as an ambassador. She would meet with new residents; get them acquainted with the locations of all the amenities, the rules, and/or any problems that might arise. In addition Jean was a member of resident council for two, almost three years which she served as president for two of those years. The council serves as a liaison between the residents and management. She was very happy at Town Village and made many friends. Jean always said that her greatest accomplishment was her three children and her seven grandchildren. She was loved very much and will be missed.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service held in Jean’s honor at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home in Hoover on Thursday, December 19, 2019, at 2:00 PM.