Janet (Roberts) Smith
January 30, 1944 – May 10, 2026
Janet Elizabeth Roberts Smith was born January 30, 1944, in Campton, N.H., to Philip and Freida Eaton Roberts.
She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from Plymouth State College of UNH and Master’s Degree from the University of Louisiana Monroe. She also completed post-graduate work at Louisiana Tech University and Northwestern University.
Janet devoted much of her life to education and was employed in various capacities throughout Virginia, Ouachita Parish, Jackson Parish, Louisiana Tech, ULM, and the Department of Defense. In addition to her work as an educator, she owned and managed a real estate rental business for 30 years.
Janet was a faithful servant of God and an active member of Chatham United Methodist Church for over 30 years before later joining Pineville First United Methodist Church. Her faith guided every aspect of her life and shaped the compassion, generosity, and grace she extended to others. She was far more than a wife, mother, grandmother, and friend — she was the heart of her family and a light to everyone fortunate enough to know her. Janet believed deeply that all people were created equal and worthy of kindness, dignity, and love. Her home was always open to anyone in need of comfort, fellowship, or a warm meal. During every holiday gathering, there was always room for one more at her table, and with a smile, she would say, “Invite whoever you like.” No one ever left her presence feeling unwanted or unloved.
A woman of many talents and passions, Janet was a master gardener, licensed florist, world traveler, and lifelong learner whose greatest joy and pride was her family. She found beauty in everything around her — in the flowers she nurtured, the places she explored, and most importantly, the people she loved. She traveled the world with curiosity and wonder, embracing every opportunity to learn, grow, and experience life fully. Her wisdom, strength, fierce independence, and unwavering love left a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents, Philip and Freida Eaton Roberts; the love of her life and husband of 20 years, Edmond W. Smith; and her two sisters, Cynthia Eichholz and Phyllis Semple.
She is survived by her daughter, Hilary Michelle Smith Underwood, and her children, Elizabeth (Mitchell) and Hillary (Jessica), and granddaughter Ryleigh; Donna Smith and her children, Adam and Morgan; and Ed’s sons, Jim Smith, Jeff Smith, and Henry Smith (Karen). Janet was also blessed with nine grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and is survived by her last love, Bill Wieger.
Janet’s legacy lives on through the countless lives she touched with her faith, kindness, wisdom, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her family, friends, former students, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A graveside memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Chatham Cemetery under the direction of Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home in Jonesboro, LA.