It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jane Elizabeth Smith, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, who departed this life peacefully on May 24, 2025, at the age of 74.
Born in Springfield, Illinois, on June 12, 1950, Jane was the eldest of three children. From a young age, she was known for her kindness, creativity, and fierce determination. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in education and went on to inspire generations of students as a dedicated elementary school teacher for over 30 years.
Jane’s greatest joy in life was her family. She married her high school sweetheart, Thomas Smith, in 1972. Together, they raised two children, Mark and Emily, in a home filled with love, laughter, and Jane’s famous apple pie. She was a devoted grandmother who never missed a birthday, recital, or little league game, and she passed along her love of books, gardening, and birdwatching to her grandchildren.
Beyond her family, Jane was active in her community—volunteering at the local library, mentoring young teachers, and organizing neighborhood events that brought people together. Her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering support touched everyone she met.
Jane is preceded in death by her husband Thomas and her parents, Walter and Ellen Taylor. She is survived by her children Mark (Sarah) Smith and Emily (David) Johnson; her grandchildren Lily, Max, Olivia, and Sam; her siblings Robert Taylor and Susan Greene; and countless friends and former students whose lives she enriched.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 1st, at 11:00 AM at Gracewood Chapel in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Springfield Public Library or the American Heart Association.
Jane’s memory will forever be a blessing to all who knew her.
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