Jane Raven Smith

Jane Elda Raven Smith died after 18 months of isolation from respiratory and heart failure on September 14, 2021, in San Antonio, Texas. She was 95. Jane was born February 2, 1926, in Mulliken, Eaton County Michigan. She was the youngest child and only daughter of Emmitt Leroy Raven and Ethel Alvina Raven. Jane’s mother died in 1927. From that point Jane lived with her grandparents, John and Sarah (Nickle) Peabody during her childhood later returning to Bad Axe to live with her father and stepmother. Jane graduated as salutatorian from Bad Axe High School in 1944 and then matriculated to Michigan State University (then named Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science). There she met Richard Patrick Smith. Jane married Richard on August 30, 1948, in East Lansing Michigan. They then embarked on a journey of highs and lows, living in Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota and finally Texas all this time raising their children. Jane’s strength, spirituality, inspirational leadership during the 42 years Jane and Dick were married represented the cornerstone of their family was built on. Through business setbacks, challenging children, and Dick’s emergence from alcoholism in 1973, Jane was a strong, loving leader guiding all her family through the challenges of life. Dick and Jane’s journey ended October 28, 1990, when Richard died of lung cancer.

After attending a Bad Axe High School reunion, she reconnected with her high school classmate Charles Clark Herrington (Clark) who had then recently lost his wife after 46 years of marriage. Their relationship quickly developed, and they were married August 11, 1996. This period of Jane’s life was truly a new chapter of her life, Jane and Clark travelled and built or rekindled many friendships. Jane and Clark enjoyed each other’s families, splitting time between San Antonio and Lakeside in Port Austin Michigan until Clark’s passing on September 20, 2008.

Jane worked throughout her life, for many years in real estate but later in her life her efforts were largely focused on her spirituality and helping others. She was active in Al-Anon throughout much of her life, helping innumerable people heal through that program.

Jane is survived by her children, Brien P. Smith (Anne), Dallas, Texas; Adam Smith, San Antonio Texas; Ann Bell (Lance), San Antonio, Texas. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren (with an additional two due in the next few months). Jane was described as the “Beloved Aunt Jane” by her nephew Ron Raven, and she was an unwavering voice of support and encouragement to the many nieces and nephews from the Raven and Smith clans. She was preceded in death by her brothers Eldridge, Erwin and Weston Raven along with her two husbands.

The family wishes to thank the incredible staff and Sisters at The Village at Incarnate Word for their love and care over the final years of her life. A service celebrating Jane’s life will be scheduled for a later date. Cremation has taken place.

Memorials may be made to: St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 315 East Pecan Street, San Antonio, Texas 78205 or,

Texas Public Radio, 321 W. Commerce St. San Antonio, TX 78205.

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