Published in Jennings Daily News June 3, 2026
Nov. 18, 1941 –
May 28, 2026
Janelle Smith, known as Jan to her friends and colleagues and “Namaw,” “Mawaw” or simply “Grandma” depending on which grandchild you asked — she answered to all of them — passed away peacefully on May 28, 2026, at her home in St. Augustine Shores, Fla. She was 84 years old.
Born in Welsh and raised in Jennings, Jan grew up with deep roots in the small communities of Southwest Louisiana — attending school in Lacassine and carrying that warmth and grit with her for the rest of her life. She was proud of her Cajun heritage and made sure it lived on in her sons — passing it down through the food, the traditions and a sense of pride in who they were.
She built a career in accounting at the University of Florida, where she earned the respect and affection of those who worked alongside her. After retiring, she made her home in St. Augustine Shores, Fla., though Louisiana always held a piece of her heart and she treasured every visit back when she was able to travel.
Jan had a gift for making people happier simply by being in the room. Her sense of humor was sharp, her cooking was legendary and her pride in her sons and grandchildren — and her Florida Gators — was boundless and unashamed. She made sure her sons knew it, telling them often how proud she was of the men they had become. She loved a good game of bingo or canasta and, more than anything, she loved her family.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Anthony; her sons Ted, Kenny and Eric, and their wives Vickie, Paige and Sam; 10 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; three sisters and a brother.
Jan faced her final years with the same toughness that defined her — the kind that kept her with the people who loved her longer than anyone had a right to expect, and for which her family is deeply grateful.
Per her wishes, Jan will be cremated and interred at Andersonville National Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held later this year in Jennings.
She left everyone who knew her a little better off. And if we know Jan, she already called Bingo when she found the best seat in the house.
