Janice "Jan" Smith

Guntown - Janice “Jan” Smith passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026, at the age of 80, entering the arms of her Savior as old gospel hymns played softly in the background and her mother’s Bible rested in her arms. She was born on December 14, 1945, to the late Buford Royce and Mildred Christine McBrayer.

A graduate of Saltillo High School at just 17 years old, Jan began her banking career shortly after graduation with People’s Bank & Trust, serving at both the Guntown and Saltillo branches. Her dedication and strong work ethic led to a career in banking, until her failing health forced her into retirement as Branch Manager of People’s Bank & Trust.

On August 28, 1964, she married her sweetheart, Billy Smith. Together they shared 53 beautiful years of marriage before his passing in 2017. They began their life together in a small apartment across from Johnny’s Drive-In, where they often enjoyed walking over for a hamburger together. Throughout the years, Jan and Billy loved traveling to the mountains and the beach, attending the Mississippi and Alabama fairs, camping, and simply spending time together. During the summer months, Jan especially enjoyed canning vegetables, and she also found joy in collecting dolls as a member of a local doll club.

More than anything, Jan and Billy dreamed of building a family centered on love. Though they were told they could not have children of their own, they never allowed that hardship to define them. After the passing of Jan’s sister, Joyce, in 1994, Jan lovingly stepped into the role of mother and grandmother to Joyce’s children and grandchildren, embracing them with love and devotion.

Jan was a faithful and active member of Birmingham Ridge Baptist Church for many years until her illness. She sang alto in the choir, taught Sunday School, helped lead Vacation Bible School, and faithfully served as secretary of the Sisterhood ministry. Jan treasured being able to worship with her family.

In 2002, after facing serious kidney issues, Jan received the gift of life through a kidney transplant donated by her beloved nephew, Mike Jackson. Doctors estimated the transplant might provide her with 10 to 13 more years, but through God’s grace, Jan lived 23 blessed years with her new kidney which is a testament to her strength and faith.

She is survived by her children, Mike Jackson and his wife Lorrie, who was her dedicated caregiver, and Angie McCarty and her husband Keith; three grandchildren, Brad Jackson (Deana), John Tyler McCarty, and Ashton Berglund (Josh); four great-grandchildren, Cooper, Turner, Kara, and Aspen; and her beloved Smith and McBrayer family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Billy Smith; two sisters, Joyce Jackson (Jimmy), and Mavis Mallette (Mutt); and many members of her beloved Smith family.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time Monday, May 25, 2026, at Pegues, Saltillo.

A Celebration of Life honoring Mrs. Jan will be at 1 p.m. Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Saltillo Chapel of Pegues Funeral Directors with Bro. Franky Smith and Bro. Bobby Holland officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Creek Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Michael Phillips, Brad Jackson, John Tyler McCarty, Doug Dickey, Keith McCarty, and Mike Jackson.

Honorary pallbearers will be David Mallette, Stephen Mallette, Josh Berglund, Rick Williams, and her beloved Smith Family.

Expressions of sympathy and fond memories may be left at www.PeguesFuneralHome.com.