Clara Ann Smith

Clara Ann Smith, a loving wife, devoted mother, and grandmother, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025. She was born on April 10, 1938, in Sandusky, Ohio, as Clara Ann Boldizar, the fourth daughter of John and Helen Boldizar.

Clara was a proud graduate of Margaretta High School in Castalia, Ohio, in 1956. She worked in the Sandusky area before attending Bowling Green State University for one year. She then began her career with the federal government at what is now the NASA Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky.

In 1962, with the reluctant acceptance of her family, Clara moved to Washington, D.C., without knowing anyone in the city. She began working at the Federal Maritime Commission, where she met the love of her life, William Jarrel (Jerry) Smith, Jr., of Pampa, Texas, an attorney at the FMC. They were married in February 1966 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Arlington, Virginia, and lived in the McLean, Virginia area for the next 59 years. After raising their three children, Clara returned to federal service at the Department of Justice, working with the U.S. Marshals Service and the Office of the Inspector General.

Clara was a devout Catholic and an active member of several Catholic communities over the years, including Missionhurst in Arlington, Virginia, and St. James Catholic Church in Falls Church, Virginia. Her faith remained a guiding light throughout her life.

Clara was the heart of her family. She loved to bake and every family birthday or holiday celebration included one of her home-made desserts. Her chocolate chip cookies were always requested and enjoyed by all. She is survived by her husband and three children: William J. Smith III (Pam) of Great Falls, Virginia; Judy Smith Jebavy (Tim) of Cumming, Georgia; and Stephen J. Smith (Amy) of Washington, D.C. She was a proud and loving grandmother to her eight grandchildren: Will Smith, Ellie Smith, Kristy Jebavy, Katie Jebavy, Courtney Jebavy, Kenzie Jebavy, Nicolas Casillas, and Henry Casillas.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents and her three beloved sisters, Margaret, Helen, and Anna. She will be remembered for her deep faith, her devotion to family, and the quiet strength and love she shared with all who knew her. Her legacy lives on through the generations she cherished so dearly.

A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Clara’s life will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 905 Park Avenue, Falls Church, Virginia 22046.