Saundra Jean Latham Smart

Our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Saundra Jean Latham Smart, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, surrounded by her family and listening to the music from her favorite movie, Pride and Prejudice.

Saundra was born on March 8, 1944, in Mobile, Alabama to William Vernon Latham and Narvell Dill McKee Latham. She grew up as a fun, spunky, artistic, and creative child. Some of her grandchildren’s favorite stories come from her childhood adventures with her uncle, Gary. When Saundra was five years old, her mother joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Saundra’s love for Jesus Christ blossomed early, setting the course for her life. She loved working on family history, singing in the choir, and welcoming missionaries into their home.

She later attended BYU, where she met a handsome boy next door named Dick. As their friendship grew, so did her admiration for him, and they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on July 12, 1968. Saundra (with her perfect penmanship) worked as a teacher as Dick finished dental school and together they built a beautiful life and welcomed their children, Dave, Jen and Tony, while settling in Utah.

Saundra found joy in serving in her church (especially in the Primary), nurturing her beloved pets and flowers (always searching for varieties the deer wouldn’t eat), and creating memorable, imaginative experiences for her grandchildren. She will be fondly remembered for her famous “Chocolat Parties,” slip-and-slide adventures, and her unwavering support at every game, play, recital, and performance (even the ones in the basement). Her love, enthusiasm, and devotion to her family were evident in everything she did and remain a lasting example to all who knew her.

Saundra is survived by her loving husband, Jay Richard (Dick) Smart; her children, David Smart (Amy), Jennifer Bingham, and Tony Smart (Sarah); and her grandchildren: Bryan Smart; Josie Leavitt (Caleb); Susanna Kaluhikaua (Kainoa); Ethan Smart; Emma Smart; Logan Bingham; Taylor Bingham (Lauren); Jordan Bingham; Mary Tanner (Dawson); Owen Smart; and Olivia Smart, as well as her great-grandchildren, Graham and Cooper Bingham, and Hazel and Charlie Leavitt. She is also survived by her brothers Vern Latham (Christie), Scott Latham (Christy), Bill Deason (Kristine) and sister, Debbie Williams (Roger). She was preceded in death by her parents,

As a tribute to their beloved grandmother, her grandchildren each chose a word to describe her. She was elegant, lovely, gentle, methodical, creative, a visionary, loving, patient, gracious, caring, steadfast, nurturing, joyful, full of grace, a true Southern belle, artistic, sweet, and beautiful. Above all, Saundra was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. Everything she did reflected His love and kindness. She truly loved Him and our Heavenly Father.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the kind and compassionate caregivers who so lovingly attended to her in her final years. We are deeply thankful for the exceptional care, comfort, and dignity you gave our mother.

Please join us in celebrating her life on Friday, April 3rd at noon at 11251 S. 2700 W., South Jordan, UT. Viewing will be held Thursday evening from 6:00pm - 8:00pm and Friday from 11:00am - 11:45am.