Jean “Jeannie” Garbee Smith, 89, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, in Winslow. Jean was born on Dec. 22, 1934, in Boone, N.C., to Mildred Everts and Eugene Garbee. In 1946, her family moved to Savannah, Georgia. In 1949 they moved to De Moines, Iowa, and in 1952 they moved to Fayette, Iowa, when her father became President of Upper Iowa University (UIU).
Jean attended Kansas University for two years and transferred to Upper Iowa University so her father, Dr. Eugene Garbee could present her with her diploma when she graduated. Jean graduated from UIU with MBA in English in 1957 and yes, her father handed her diploma!
In August of 1957, Jean joined the American National Red Cross (ARC). As such, she and the members of the group of ladies were assigned to Camp Casey, South Korea. The group became known as “Donut Dollys” because they would go to the various military camps providing entertainment, playing cards with the troops and of course provided coffee and donuts. This assignment would lead Jean to meet a GI, SP4 or Corporal Eugene Smith, who was assigned to drive the bus which took this ARC group to the various camps.
Jean and Gene were married on Dec. 26, 1958, in the president’s house at UIU. They then moved to Reserve, N.M. Their first child, Tim was born in Nov. 1959 in Reserve, N.M. They relocated to Fayette, Iowa, for about a year and a half and moved back to Reserve. In 1962 while on a road trip to Flagstaff, Gene would stop in Winslow to see if there was a need for log truck drivers. There was and Gene, Jean and Tim moved to Winslow in the fall of 1962. Their second child, Mary Ann was born in February, 1963. They would officially purchase their home in Winslow in 1965. Their third child, Roger was born in April, 1968. Gene and Jean started their own trucking company “Smith Trucking” in 1970.
Jean was a “Domestic Goddess” as she liked to call herself (homemaker). She absolutely loved cooking for her family. She would put out a spread of food that wouldn’t quit for dinner every night. Jean loved to prepare hot lunches (Rice-a-Roni, hamburgers and French fries, sloppy joes, macaroni & cheese, just to name a few) for her kids everyday who walked home for lunch. She was home for the kids when they got home from school as well.
Jean loved to do crafts, in fact she handmade most of the decorations for the family Christmas tree, she made boutique balls and cute trinkets with beads. Jean became known as the “Card Queen” as she sent out cards for all occasions. She made cards on the computer for many years as well. Jean was a member of The First Baptist Church for 61 years, where she was active in the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU), prepared meals and served on various committees. Jean was a member of The PEO Sisterhood, Chapter FG, Fayette, Iowa.
Jean is survived by her husband of 65 years, Gene. Her adult children, Tim (Claudia) of Deming, N.M., Mary Ann of Winslow and Roger (Kim) of Litchfield Park; her brother, Bud (Marilyn) Garbee of Broken Arrow, Okla.; sister-in-laws Genean Riddle, of Gravelly, Ark., Johnny Faye Wood of Waldron, Ark., Joice Peralta of Reserve, N.M., and Bett Hagon, of Flagstaff; and brother-in-law, John (Kathy) Smith of Clarksville, Ark.; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jean is preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Eugene Garbee; brother-in-law, Jay Smith; sister-in-law, Evalena Riddle; nephews, Bruce Riddle, Scotty Riddle, Wayne Riddle and Don Yandell; great-nephew, Brandon Burns; great-great niece, Blakey Hughes; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She is also preceded in death by two very special people: her dear friend of 66-plus years and matron of honor, at her wedding, Janann Seabrook. Cody Joe Cordova to whom she had a very special place in her heart.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, at The First Baptist Church, located at 411 N. Warren Ave., in Winslow. Reception immediately following services.
Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow handled the arrangements.
