Janice Smith Stewart

Born on March 8, 1938, in Hondo, Texas, Janice was the beloved daughter of Vernon H. Smith and Georgie Wentworth Smith. She grew up in Sabinal, Texas, where she excelled academically and graduated as valedictorian of Sabinal High School. In high school, she was very involved, serving as president of the National Honor Society, editor-in-chief of The Cypress newspaper, marching band leader, twirler, homecoming queen and prom queen. She was chosen as the most representative girl of her class and was also involved in the American Legion, Wesleyan Service Guild, and Quill and Scroll.

Janice continued her education at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, graduating in 1960. During her college years, she was active in Delta Delta Delta sorority, A Cappella Choir, Pi Delta Epsilon, and Cardinal Key Honor Society.

Following graduation, Janice moved to Houston to begin her career in education. There, she met and fell in love with Marion “Stew” Stewart, an engineer with Transcontinental Gas Pipeline Company. The two were married on January 20, 1962, and together they shared 49 joyous years of marriage filled with devotion and deep love for their family. Together they were a good team - both making people a priority. Stew’s laid back personality and love for being with people paired well with Janice’s welcoming spirit and talent for entertaining. They were happy to have company show up at their home whether it was a large planned event or a neighbor popping by unannounced. All were welcome. Janice and Stew lived an ordinary life, extraordinarily well.

She was a proud and dedicated mother and took great joy in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She delighted in supporting her four daughters in all their pursuits, always present, encouraging, and ready to help in any way she could. Family and friendships were most important to her above material things.

Janice was blessed with exceptional musical talent which was evident at a very young age. She played by ear with remarkable ease. She learned and played hymns very early on, and in one of her journals wrote that the hymns were etched in her memory from years of singing and playing them in church.

Janice loved bringing people together, whether through music or meaningful time spent with others. Her home was a gathering place for Christmas caroling, neighborhood sing-a-longs, and countless joyful moments shared with family and friends. She was a wonderful cook who made sure a homemade dinner was on the table each night. Everyone who walked through her door felt genuinely welcomed. She had a gift for connecting and building relationships.

Janice taught private piano lessons for 35 years, sharing her love of music with generations of students. She remained active in her church and community throughout her life. She generously volunteered her musical talents, playing piano at Sheltering Arms Alzheimer’s Day Care Center for 14 years and at MD Anderson Hospital for 10 years. She was a member of the Ladies Reading Club, the Houston Music Teachers Association, Houston Baptist University Guild, and Bible Study Fellowship, where she served for many years as a pianist and discussion leader. Being a part of BSF was one of the most meaningful and fulfilling experiences of her life, where she strengthened her walk with Christ.

In 2000, Janice and Stew moved to Sugar Land, Texas, where she continued teaching piano and sharing music at Methodist Hospital and several senior living facilities. She was a faithful member of Sugar Land Baptist Church.

Janice is preceded in death by her mother and father: Georgie and Vernon Smith; her brother: Skippy Smith; her husband: Stew Stewart; and her two sisters: Doris Kruger and Madis Keath. Janice is survived by her daughters and their husbands: Sally and Gerard White; Susan and Mike Williamson; Rebecca and Robby Byers; and Mary and Bill Moll. She also leaves 12 grandchildren and their spouses: Taylor and Kristin White; Katie and Ian Reutelhuber; Drew and Morgan Williamson; Reid, Caroline and Ryan Williamson; Brittany, Fisher and Briley Byers; Lizzie, William, and Thomas Moll; 3 great-grandchildren, Emmy, Ellie, and William; her sister-in-law, Lynell and her husband Ed Buckley.

She will be deeply missed by her devoted and loving boyfriend of 11 years, Don Johnston—an unexpected blessing who came into her life after Stew’s passing.Their daily time together was filled with lots of laughter, dinners with friends and family, watching Astros games and having deep conversations.

Janice will be remembered for her positive attitude, joyful spirit, and love for people. Her legacy will continue through the many lives she touched.

We would like to thank all our friends and family for their prayers and kind words during this time.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026 at 10:30 at Sugar Land Baptist Church located at 16755 SW Frwy Frontage Rd, Sugar Land, Tx 77479.

For those wishing to join the family on the day of the service via livestream, please follow this link: : https://slb.online.church/