Emma Jean Smith

She was born 02/17/1936 in Oswego, NY but moved to Tampa in 1951 with her family. She graduated from Hillsborough HS in 1953, married, and was a stay-at-home mom to her three older children. Many years later, she returned to school and earned a B.A.Education from the University of South Florida while a member of Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society.

In 1971, the family relocated to Dover and, upon graduating USF, she became a 6th grade teacher in Plant City. After the birth of her youngest child, she retired from public schools, and opened her own accredited preschool to ensure her daughter would be well cared for. Eventually, she would open two more preschools; one in Seffner, and a second in Plant City.

She loved LIFE, socializing, and being around people. She never met a stranger. Her hobbies included: sewing, crafting, crocheting, oil painting, and playing cards/bunco. She served as past president of the Bay Area Twirlers, Brad de ndon Newcomers, Imperial Pokers Camping Club, and host coordinator for AYUSA, a cultural exchange/study abroad organization for high school students.

She is preceded in death by her devoted husband, Jerry L . Smith and stepson, J. Michael Smith.

Emma Jean will be lovingly remembered by her children; Michael Parker (Lori), Kimberly Watford (David), Sandra Parker Lombardi (Frank), and Kelly Smith Reed (Chad); brother, Jim Glerum; sister, Ruth Weiland; 21 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

A Visitation will be held Friday, February 9, 2024 at 11AM with Funeral service at 12 NOON, Stowers Funeral Home, 401 W. Brandon Blvd, Brandon. Graveside burial will follow at Hillsboro Memorial Gardens.