Juanell L. Smart

85, of Indianapolis, Indiana departed this life on Monday, April 22, 2024. Nell was born October 13, 1938 in San Antonio, Texas to the late Arthur & Enola Marthenya (Nelson) McGee. She grew up and attended schools in Texas and California.

Juanell worked her entire life for US government agencies, including the Small Business Administration and the United States Department of Agriculture. At the USDA she served as a hearing officer and retired in the 1990s as Assistant Director of the National Appeals Division. She was a mentor to many and made many lifelong friends at the USDA during her long career. Nell had a strong and proud spirit, and she loved a challenge. She was an outstanding gardener, an accomplished woodworker and talented singer who loved music of all sorts. She loved all animals and had kept a dog and cat as companions throughout her life. Nell was never afraid to tackle simple and complicated home projects. She was determined and dedicated in all of her undertakings throughout her life.

In addition to her parents, Nell was tragically preceded in death by her children, Tinetra Ladese Fain, Alfred Smart, Jr., Scott “Scottie” Cameron Smart and Teri Lynn Smart in the tragedy at Jonestown, Guyana in 1978.

Nell is survived by her dear friends that include Tommie & Alexandra Curlin and their children, Nicole and Alison; Lynne & David Reves and their children and grandchildren; Milica Milakovich, along with Rebecca Moore and Fielding McGehee and her good friend, Anne Winters who recently passed on April 13, 2024.

A celebration of Nell’s life will be from 12:30pm until 2:30pm on Saturday, May 4th at Leppert Mortuary – Nora Chapel. Per her wishes, her ashes will be spread off the Santa Monica pier in California.

Memorial contributions in Nell’s memory are suggested to be sent to Seeds of Hope: 1425 S Mickley Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46241. For information about Seeds of Hope, see https://seedsofhopeindy.org/.

Online condolences for Nell are available at www.leppertmortuary.com