Jeanne was born in Kemp, Texas, on December 9, 1923, to James and Inez Brewer. Later, she lived with her Aunt and Uncle Roy & Jewel Dalton in Dallas, so that she could attend Woodrow Wilson High School and graduated from there.
Later, she met and married Charles E (Mitch) Mitchell, who had returned from WW2 to Dallas where he had trained at Love Field as a pilot for the 8th Army Airforce. They were founding members of St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lake Highlands area of Dallas. Jeanne’s professional life included working as Director of Advancement Services at SMU, until her retirement in 1974. She and Mitch later moved to Jacksboro,Texas, where she owned and operated a collection of women’s shops in and around that area called JM’s Boutique. After Mitch died in 1979, she relocated to Mineral Wells, TX, and subsequently married Earl Smith. Upon his death she relocated to Nassau Bay and lived with her daughter Gretchen for several years, before returning to Dallas and residing at Edgemere retirement community.
Jeanne was devoted to her family which included a brother, son and daughter, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. As the Matriarch of the family, she often referred to her family and the character and success they have enjoyed as her greatest achievement. Jeanne was a mother figure to numerous close friends of her son and daughter. She was also chief caretaker to her mother and two aunts until their passing. She was fondly referred to as “Granny” by all.
Jeanne enjoyed bridge, golf and gardening as well as a friendly poker game on occasion! She spent numerous hours cooking for family and friends, sewing dresses for the girls and always making delicious desserts for everyone. She loved decorating and was always impeccably dressed.
Jeanne was a devout Catholic and enjoyed reading scripture and listening to spiritual programing. In her late life, she was rewarded with her last grandchild, appropriately named after her. She enjoyed her weekly visits and, especially, the numerous trips to the Cheesecake factory for lunch and desserts with Emma Jeanne.
We will miss her exquisite style, grace and love.
