Janie Sue Smith

Janie Sue Smith passed away on August 21, 2024 in South Jordan, Utah at the age of 100. She was born on December 27, 1923 in Gary, Texas to James A. Downing and Gladys Ford. 

Janie loved being a mother and grandmother. She was an amazing seamstress, quilter, gardener, and could crochet. She was also a great cook. Janie was active and held many positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints until her health prevented her from going. 

Janie grew up on a large farm in Gary, Texas during the depression. She helped pick tomatoes, cotton and anything else they grew. She graduated from Gary High School. After graduating she took a college bookkeeping class. She worked her whole life as a bookkeeper in the automotive and freight industries. She also spent three years as a deputy sheriff. 

In 1946 Janie met and married John R. Carling. Together they raised two daughters. They divorced in 1975. 

When Janie attended a high school reunion, she reconnected with a schoolmate, William Thomas Smith, Jr. They married in 1987. She loved living back home in Texan on his cattle ranch. They were married 16 years until he passed away. 

Janie then moved back to Utah to live with her daughter’s family. We enjoyed 21 great years together and were together for all our family vacations, holidays, etc. making many wonderful memories. We are so grateful that she was with us for 100 years. She was always a kind, gracious lady. Janie is greatly loved by our family and will be greatly missed. 

Janie is survived by her two daughters, two stepdaughters, a stepson, 14 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and all of her siblings. 

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11:00 AM with a viewing prior from 9:30 to 10:45 AM at Memorial Redwood Mortuary, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah. Interment following services at Memorial Redwood Cemetery.