Janet Lea Smithson

It is with profound sadness yet endless love that we announce the passing of Janet Lea Cross Smithson, affectionately known as “Gammers” who left this world surrounded by the loved ones she so selflessly spent a lifetime loving. Janet, 69, passed away on Sunday August 2, 2026.

Janet was a no-nonsense woman who was exceptionally tough. She was small but oh so mighty. What you saw, was certainly what you got with her. She was of the utmost integrity. Gammers loved her family fiercely. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her world, and there was nothing she cherished more than spending time, cooking for and vacationing with them.

Born to the late Wilburn "Frank" Cross and Margie Sue Griffin Cross, Janet is also preceded in death by her son, Robert "Joe" Joseph Smithson, Jr. Here to carry on her memory is her daughter, Anna Lea Cook (Justin); her grandchildren, Reagan Cross Cook and Ryan Robert Cook; her sister, Brenda Carol Hefty "Aunt Bee"; her life-long best friend, Robin Orange; her fur baby, Trudy; and a host of extended family and friends.

Janet graduated from Durrett High School and went on to retire after 37 years of working in administrative sales at Central Farm Supply.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 2:30 PM - 8:00 PM at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY, 40218. A funeral service in Janet's honor will begin on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Janet will be entombed privately in Resthaven Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that expressions of sympathy be made to Hosparus of Louisville.