Janalee Smith

Janalee Smith, 82, of Punxsutawney, a faithful servant of the Lord, passed away with her beloved family at her bedside on Friday, December 13, 2024.

She was born in Orrville, Ohio on August 07, 1942, a daughter of the late Virgil William Burkholder and Margaret Delilah (Bucy) Burkholder.  From an early age, her life reflected the love and grace of Jesus Christ.

While attending the St. Paul Bible College in St. Paul, Minnesota, she met the love of her life, Darrell James Smith.  They were united in marriage on December 22, 1962 and would have soon celebrated sixty-two years of marriage.

Jan and Darrell served as missionaries in Brazil for over ten years.  Together, they dedicated their lives to sharing the Good News, building relationships and planting seeds of faith in countless lives.

Known for her extraordinary gift of loving others unconditionally, Jan mirrored the love of Jesus in everything she did.  She was deeply involved in forming the Chestnut Grove Independent Church  with her husband, she served tirelessly and was always willing to encourage, pray and lend a helping hand.

Her family was the cornerstone of her life.  She cherished the role as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, finding her greatest joy in the company of her family.  She made every moment special, filling it with love, warmth and laughter.  Jan also enjoyed trips to Colorado and visiting the family cottage in Canada with her husband Darrell, together, they enjoyed walking, fishing and being outdoors in the beauty of nature.

Jan will be remembered by many as a salesclerk at Beatty Jewelers in Punxsutawney.  She loved interacting with customers and refined her love of jewelry over the years.

She leaves behind her loving husband Darrell, two children, Lisa Neal of Grafton, Vermont, and Dr. Chad  (Barbie) Smith; four grandchildren, Jetts (Matt) Allen of Walpole, New Hampshire, Joseph (Lindsay) Neal of Grafton, Vermont, Dr. Hunter (Ian) Allen of Sarasota, Florida and Cody (Emery) Smith of St. Louis, Missouri; six great grandchildren, Emmie, Fiona and Case Allen, Joey and Eden Neal and Desiree Smith; two sisters, Sharon Haggard of Mt. Airy, Maryland and Cheryl (Hugh) Davis of Columbus, Ohio.

Preceded in death by her parents, her son in-law, Joseph Michael Neal; three brothers, Larry, Jack and Tim Burkholder.

Friends will be received from 2-6 p.m. on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Punxsutawney, and from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Chestnut Grove Independent Church.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the church, officiated by Pastor Joe Spack.

Interment will follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Jan’s memory to Chestnut Grove Independent Church.

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