Jeanne Carol Smith passed away on December 31, 2023 just days after celebrating her 99th birthday. Family and friends who loved her gathered with her to acknowledge her achievement of a life well lived. Her desire to be at home until her ending, looking out at her lovely orchids and waterway was achieved. Her only disappointment in the last few weeks was missing Monday night “Show Me the Money” where she was known as a big winner!
Jeanne was born December 24, 1924 in Chicago, Illinois. She attended Albion College until WWII interfered. She married Don Wilshe, a wounded war veteran and Don, Joy and Joanne were born. An adventuresome spirit took them to Florida. Ft Myers became home and she was well known as the proprietor of Buck’s Drive In. Her second husband Henry Smith led her to spend many years in Jacksonville FL as a Manager for Aetna Insurance Company. Retirement brought them back to their beloved SW FL and they settled in Matlacha Isles. The U Pick Fruits and Vegetable Farm became the new center of her life. Friends and family all took a turn working at the stand. There she built a community of lifelong friends. At age 85 she gave up the farm and “retired”. Her orchids, fishing, family and friends became her life not to forget “Show Me the Money”. It is difficult to sum up such a long life but, her indomitable spirit was with her throughout and in 2022 led her to ride out Hurricane Ian by herself and return after evacuation to her cherished home. Living to 99 was a reflection of that spirit and her incredible will.
Jeanne will be forever missed by her brother Jay Johnson (Mary) and sister Jill Campbell (Jim) as well as children Joy Gargano, Joanne Shellenbach and Don Wilshe. She was well loved by her many grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and nephews and nieces including greats and great-greats. They are too numerous to name but all had a very special place in her heart.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents Ruth and Robert Johnson, husbands Don Wilshe and Henry Smith , brother Bob Johnson and nephew Guy Johnson.
A celebration of life service will be arranged at a later date.
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